To ensure safe and accident-free celebrations during Diwali and Chhath Puja, a ten-day community awareness campaign on burn and eye injury prevention was successfully conducted across Lucknow from November 5 to November 15.
Supported as a social welfare initiative by Bandhan Bank, the drive focused on educating citizens on immediate first-aid responses for firecracker-related emergencies.
Moving beyond formal venues, teams of volunteers engaged directly with residents in bustling public areas, firecracker markets, neighbourhood parks, children’s play zones, and spaces frequented by families preparing for Chhath festivities.
Health specialists demonstrated practical, life-saving steps to prevent permanent skin and eye damage during the critical first few minutes after an accident:
Skin Burns: Pour cool, running water over the burn for 10–20 minutes and cover it gently with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid applying ice, toothpaste, oil, or ghee, and do not pop blisters or pull stuck clothing.
Eye Injuries: Rinse the eye continuously with clean water or saline for 15–20 minutes, cover it lightly, and visit the nearest eye hospital immediately. Do not rub the eye or use unprescribed drops.
General Safety: Light fireworks only in open spaces, keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby, and ensure strict adult supervision for children.
Highlighting the objective of the campaign, a representative from the initiative stated: “Our focus throughout this drive from November 5 to 15 was to replace common myths with correct medical first aid, ensuring families can celebrate without preventable injuries.”
The grassroots drive received widespread appreciation from local vendors and community members alike. “Most of us automatically reach for ice or toothpaste when someone gets burned. Learning that cool running water is the right way saved us from making a costly mistake,” shared Ajit Jha, a local vendor in Lucknow.
Abhishek Dixit, a local resident preparing for Chhath Puja, added, “Having volunteers guide us right in our local markets gave our family total confidence to manage any emergency during the festivities.”
