CHHAPRA: Saran MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy said in the Lok Sabha on Monday that while snakes are revered in India, 30 to 40 lakh people, including about 10,000 from Bihar, die annually from snakebites. Rudy raised this issue during a discussion on important matters.
Rudy cited reports from NITI Aayog indicating that Bihar suffers from both poverty and natural calamities. He said Bihar has the highest number of snakebites globally, affecting 76% of its population. “In India, 30 to 40 lakh people are bitten by snakes annually, resulting in 50,000 deaths, the highest in the world. Many of these deaths are preventable,” Rudy said. He pointed to the impact of climate change on snakebite incidence, particularly with temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius.
Rudy also expressed gratitude to the Irula community of Tamil Nadu, who produce anti-snake bite venom. However, he said due to regional genetic differences, this venom is not effective everywhere. Rudy stressed that the responsibility of snake protection lies with environment minister Bhupendra Yadav, while health minister J P Nadda is responsible for treating snakebite patients. He criticised the lack of comprehensive snakebite prevention measures across India and demanded immediate govt action.
We also published the following articles recently
50,000 people die of snakebite every year, highest in world: BJP MP in Lok Sabha
BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy highlighted that annually, India experiences 30-40 lakh snakebites with about 50,000 fatalities, the highest globally. Other MPs discussed beedi workers' low wages, healthcare coverage, corruption in the ICDS programme, opposition to NEET, and indigenous rights issues, addressing various social and health concerns in the Lok Sabha.
Discover 8 amazing facts about rat snakes
The article highlighted the mostly harmless nature of rat snakes, members of the Colubridae family. It detailed their global presence, non-venomous status, and importance in controlling rodent populations. Rat snakes vary in size, with the New World and Old World species showing differences. Unique features include their buzzing defensive sounds and the notable rhinoceros rat snake horn-like scales.
Snake with 25 babies found in lift duct in Dombivli
A large venomous Russell's viper and its 25 babies were found in the lift duct of a building under construction in Dombivli. The reptiles were rescued by WAAR Foundation's Vishal Sonawane and his colleague, Samad Khan. The snakes were later released into the forest. The viper gave birth without laying eggs.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.
Start a Conversation
Post comment