NHRC directs states, UTs to ensure anti-snake venom availability in snakebite-prone areas
New Delhi, Sept 8
The National Human Rights Commission, taking cognizance of two separate cases involving deaths following snakebites on Tuesday, has issued directions to strengthen systems for the prevention and treatment of snakebite incidents.
A Bench of the NHRC, headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo, directed all States and Union Territories to ensure adequate availability of Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) in remote and snakebite-prone areas to facilitate timely and life-saving treatment for victims.
The Commission also directed the States and UTs to identify high-risk areas, compile empirical data on snakebite incidents and ensure adequate healthcare and emergency medical infrastructure in such locations.
The Bench further stressed the need to review infrastructure and prescribed safety standards at tribal ashram shalas and other residential hostels, particularly those located in remote and forested areas.
It said such facilities must have adequate beds and cots, sufficient wardens and staff, safe sleeping arrangements, secure campuses and immediate access to emergency medical assistance for children residing there.
The directions were issued while the Commission considered two separate cases.
The first case concerns the deaths of three tribal girl students following a snakebite at a tribal residential school hostel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The incident raised serious concerns regarding hostel infrastructure and the availability of basic facilities.
The second case relates to the death of a snakebite victim in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly following a delay in making Anti-Snake Venom available for treatment.
The Commission has sought Action Taken Reports from the concerned authorities within the stipulated time.
Earlier, on August 3, a 41-year-old woman and her 13-year-old daughter reportedly died of snakebites, while her 18-year-old son was injured in an alleged attack by a venomous snake in Triveni Colony, Bakhtawarpur. The incident reportedly occurred while the family was sleeping at their home.
Meanwhile, snakebite cases had risen across Gautam Budh Nagar this year, with the district recording 115 cases between Jan and July, including 57 venomous bites, health department data shows. More than 47 per cent of the total cases are from July, when 55 people were bitten by snakes, including 30 venomous ones, making it the highest monthly tally so far. In 2025, the district has recorded 143 cases till Aug.
— IANS
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