Karnataka Ecotourism Board Launches Statewide Snakebite Awareness Initiative
The Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board (KEDB) has officially launched a comprehensive community-driven awareness campaign aimed at reducing snakebite incidents and dispelling dangerous myths surrounding first aid procedures. This significant outreach program will target schools, colleges, farmers, forest-dwelling communities, and gram panchayats across the entire state of Karnataka.
Educational Institutions as Primary Focus
According to KEDB chairperson Shalet Pinto, the program, which began several weeks ago, will initially prioritize government educational institutions ranging from primary schools to colleges. The ambitious initiative aims to cover at least 100 schools within the first year of implementation. This strategic approach recognizes educational institutions as crucial hubs for disseminating accurate information to young minds who can then share knowledge within their families and communities.
Correcting Dangerous First Aid Misconceptions
Shalet Pinto emphasized that the campaign will specifically address common and potentially harmful misconceptions about snakebite first aid. "These practices are incorrect as per World Health Organisation guidelines," she stated, referring to dangerous methods such as:
- Tightly tying the bite area
- Cutting the wound
- Attempting to suck out blood
Instead, the campaign promotes the WHO-recommended response which includes:
- Reassuring the victim to remain calm
- Laying them down in a comfortable position
- Rushing them to the nearest hospital for proper medical treatment
Protecting Vulnerable Wildlife Species
Beyond human safety, the campaign also addresses the critical need to protect vulnerable pit viper species amid increasing human-animal conflicts across Karnataka. By educating communities about these reptiles and promoting coexistence strategies, the initiative aims to reduce unnecessary killing of snakes while protecting both human and animal populations.
Statewide Implementation Strategy
KEDB naturalist Rahul Aradhya revealed that the first awareness program was successfully conducted at a government school in Anugondanahalli, Bengaluru Rural district. The initiative is designed to eventually reach every district in Karnataka, beginning with government educational institutions and later expanding to include farming communities and other vulnerable groups.
The awareness campaign will be delivered through:
- Interactive workshops conducted by experts
- Educational materials displayed prominently on school premises
- Training programs for volunteers who will support outreach efforts
Aradhya confirmed that the entire initiative is fully funded by KEDB, ensuring consistent implementation across the state without financial constraints.
Global Context of Snakebite Dangers
The urgency of this campaign becomes particularly evident when considering global statistics from the World Health Organisation. According to WHO data:
- An estimated 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes globally each year
- This results in 1.8 to 2.7 million cases of envenoming annually
- Annual snakebite deaths range between 81,410 and 137,880 worldwide
- Amputations and other permanent disabilities occur at nearly three times the number of deaths
These sobering statistics highlight the critical importance of proper education and timely medical intervention, making Karnataka's proactive approach particularly significant for public health and safety.
