2 days ago
Snakebite cases spike in Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali during monsoon
By Abhishek Goyat
The monsoon has brought welcome relief from the heat — and a worrying surge in snakebite cases across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali. From farms and backyards to parking lots, venomous snakes are straying into human spaces, sending victims to hospitals. Doctors warn that panic and incorrect first-aid methods are putting lives at risk even when treatment is minutes away.
Hospitals in the Tricity are seeing a sharp seasonal rise, with some receiving up to 10 patients a day. At Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, doctors treat an average of five–eight snakebite cases daily during the rains. 'Most come from the outskirts, but some are from within city limits,' said an emergency doctor. 'The first 60 minutes after a bite are critical — the sooner the patient reaches a hospital, the higher the chances of full recovery.'
Experts stress that victims should stay still, keep the bitten limb lowered, and avoid running. Unlike dog bites, the wound should not be washed with soap or chemicals. Tight cloth ties, sucking venom, or applying herbal pastes can worsen the situation. Instead, call the Police Control Room (100), Fire Department (101), or the Health Department helpline (15400), and head to the nearest facility stocking anti-snake venom (ASV).
Key treatment centres include GMCH-32, the Sector 19 dispensary, GMSH-16, PGIMER, Panchkula Civil Hospital, Mohali Civil Hospital, and private hospitals like Fortis and Alchemist, though private care can cost several thousand rupees. GMCH-32 and PGIMER confirm stocks of polyvalent ASV, effective against cobra, krait, and viper bites. 'We administer ASV only after clinical confirmation, as unnecessary use can cause allergic reactions,' a nurse said.
The Chandigarh Police receives five–seven snake-related calls daily during the monsoon, coordinating with ambulances for bite victims. The Fire Department works with trained catchers to relocate snakes. 'People should avoid killing snakes and instead call us on 101,' said a fire officer.
The seasonal spike, peaking July to September, is linked to flooding of snake burrows. Most patients recover fully within days if treated promptly, though severe neurotoxic bites can require longer stays and ventilatory support.
One Mohali victim, recovering at GMCH-32, credited his quick arrival: 'I reached here in under 30 minutes. The doctors say that's why I'm fine today.' Another family said they abandoned herbal paste remedies after a neighbour urged them to go straight to hospital.
Capt Suresh Sharma, 64, a retired Army officer, has been rescuing snakes and spreading awareness for 32 years. Based in Chandigarh, he responds to two–ten calls daily in the rainy season. He warns of the Common Krait, whose venom is 'around 15 times more potent than a cobra's' and which often bites silently while people sleep. Through his 'Serpent Saviour' platform, he urges the public to 'avoid panic, stay calm, and seek immediate medical help instead of unverified remedies'.
Health officials are distributing posters listing dos and don'ts, particularly in rural belts and construction sites. Quick action, experts say, can keep the Tricity's snakebite survival rate high even as the reptiles make more monsoon appearances.
(The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)
