Beijing introduced the ban on Dec. 1, 1993, which has resulted in fewer injuries from exploding crackers, and fewer fires and less noise and chemical pollution caused by fireworks during festivals.

However enforcing the rules remains a tough task for the city.

According to statistics from the municipal Bureau of Health, Beijing hospitals treated 260 patients hurt by fireworks in the five days from the eve of the 2002 Spring Festival. The injuries were serious: 52 patients had their eyes badly damaged with two people losing eyeballs and 74 patients had serious wounds to theirfaces and bodies.

The city's public security departments have been on alert against illegal fireworks dealings. This year they handled 46 cases of illegal transporting and trading of fireworks. The contraband contained excessive explosives and some banned chemicals.

(Xinhua News Agency December 28, 2002)