Directives issued to reduce number of snakebite incidents

The State government has issued directions to reduce the number of snakebite incidents in human habitations and ensure the safety of the general public. The chief wildlife warden has instructed the volunteers of SARPA, an initiative of the Forest department that trains volunteers in snake rescue, and Forest department personnel, to assess the situation at the panchayat-level to prevent snakebite incidents, especially in view of the prevailing scorching summer conditions.

An awareness campaign will be conducted at the ward-level across the State in association with local self-government bodies, focusing on the precautions to be taken during the summer and the breeding season of snakes. About 36,000 trained SARPA volunteers in the State will be used for this purpose. Measures have also been taken to display posters in schools, offices, and public places, outlining the steps to be followed and the precautions to be observed in the event of a snakebite.