National Award-winning senior surgeon Dr Anil Agrawal speaks on snakebite awareness and snake conservation on World Snake Day.
National Award-winning surgeon Dr.Anil Agrawal says awareness, timely treatment and respect for wildlife are key to reducing snakebite deaths in India
Yamunanagar | Rama Kaushik
On the occasion of World Snake Day, National Award-winning senior surgeon Dr Anil Agrawal called for replacing fear with scientific awareness, urging people to understand the ecological importance of snakes and adopt the right practices to prevent snakebite-related deaths. Highlighting the significance of the global awareness day observed every year on July 16, Dr Agrawal said misconceptions about snakes continue to claim thousands of lives because panic and misinformation often delay proper medical treatment. He noted that India records an estimated 58,000 snakebite deaths annually, even though nearly 75 per cent of the country’s snake species are non-venomous.  Dr Agrawal explained that India is home to more than 300 species of snakes, but only four—the Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper and Saw-scaled Viper—are responsible for the vast majority of venomous bites. Most other snakes are harmless to humans and are essential for agriculture as they naturally control rats and other crop-damaging pests.
He said snake sightings increase during the monsoon and harvesting seasons when flooding, dense vegetation and a rise in rodent activity drive snakes towards residential areas. To minimise encounters, he advised residents to keep their surroundings clean, remove overgrown bushes, seal gaps beneath doors and use a torch while walking outdoors after dark.
If a snake is spotted, people should neither attempt to kill nor capture it, he said, adding that trained snake rescuers or the Forest Department should be contacted instead.  Dr Agrawal emphasised that snakes are an integral part of the ecosystem and their indiscriminate killing disturbs ecological balance, leading to an increase in rodent populations that damage crops and spread diseases.  Sharing first-aid guidance for snakebite victims, he advised people to remain calm, avoid unnecessary movement, keep the bitten limb immobilised and below heart level, remove tight jewellery or clothing, gently wash the wound with soap and clean water, and immediately shift the patient to the nearest hospital where anti-venom treatment is available free of cost. If it can be done safely, a photograph of the snake may assist doctors in identifying the species.  He strongly cautioned against harmful practices such as cutting the wound, sucking out venom, tying tight tourniquets, applying mud, ice or chemicals, consuming alcohol, self-medicating or relying on traditional healers. He also warned that even a dead snake may retain a reflex bite for a short period and should never be handled.
“Scientific awareness, prompt medical care and respect for wildlife can save countless lives while protecting nature’s delicate balance,” Dr Agrawal said, urging people to replace myths with facts and contribute to the conservation of snakes.
