A series of tragic deaths in the rural belts of Nagpur and its neighbouring districts has sounded an alarm over the persistent threat of snake bites. Five individuals lost their lives in November alone, with four more critical cases reported in government hospitals in just the last three days, highlighting a severe public health concern.
Poor Awareness and Dangerous Traditions Fuel Deaths
The Wildlife Welfare Society (WWS), an NGO actively working on snakebite mitigation, points to a deadly combination of factors behind these preventable fatalities. A significant lack of awareness coupled with a continued, dangerous dependence on traditional healing practices like 'buabazzi' are identified as key reasons. The NGO has urgently called upon authorities to ramp up community-level education and ensure timely access to proper medical treatment.
A Recent Victim's Story
Volunteer Nitish Bhandakkar, who documented one of the cases, shared the details of the latest victim. Rameshwar Maske (45), a resident of Marodi Mauda, was bitten by a viper. He was admitted to a hospital on November 20 but succumbed to the venom ten days later, on November 30.
Prevention and Timely Treatment Are Key
In light of the rising incidents, the Wildlife Welfare Society has issued clear guidelines for farmers and field workers, who are most at risk. Their recommendations include:
- Wearing protective boots while working in fields.
- Avoiding putting hands into cluttered, dark spaces like woodpiles or haystacks.
- Using a stick to probe and clear an area before working.
- Seeking immediate medical help at a hospital without delay if bitten.
The organisation strongly emphasises that snakebite is fully treatable with timely medical intervention using anti-venom. They have warned communities repeatedly against depending on unscientific 'buabazzi' methods, which waste precious time and often prove fatal.
