India, Dec. 27 -- Two days ago, a 40-year-old balloon vendor was filling helium balloons for children near the Jayamarthanda Gate of Mysore Palace. Seconds later, the cylinder exploded. The vendor was killed instantly. Six bystanders, including women and children, were badly injured and two of the women died later.

Just two months ago, a four-year-old boy died of burns after hot oil from a food vendor on the footpath spilt on him.

These tragedies are caused by municipal negligence. Period.

The balloon vendor was illegally using a pressurised gas cylinder on one of the city's busiest footpaths during the holiday season. Yet no official thought it necessary to stop him until he was blown apart in public view.

This tragedy is not an exce...