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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
State to produce antivenom locally, says Saseendran
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has announced that the State will soon launch a project in collaboration with the Health Department to produce snake antivenom locally. Inaugurating the World Snake Day observance here on Wednesday, he said the antivenom at present used in Kerala was sourced from Tamil Nadu. 'Studies have shown that the potency of snake venom can vary from region to region due to atmospheric differences. As a result, antivenoms may not neutralise the venom of the same species found in different regions. Hence, locally produced antivenom is essential for effective treatment,' he said, emphasising the importance of region-specific antivenom. Pointing out that between 82,000 and 1.35 lakh people die from snakebites globally every year, the Minister said nearly half of those deaths occurred in India. 'Kerala has historically reported high snakebite fatality rates.' 'However, efforts by the Forest department and the introduction of the SARPA (Snake Awareness, Rescue and Protection App) mobile application have significantly brought down the number of deaths. From 119 reported deaths in 2019, the figure dropped to 30 in 2024. The State aims to achieve zero deaths due to snakebites by 2030 as part of the Snake Envenomation Zero Mortality Kerala project,' Mr. Saseendran stated. Head of Forest Force Rajesh Ravindran presided over the programme. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G. Krishnan also spoke on the occasion.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Time of India
Kerala forest department blacklists 64 snake catchers for illegal practices
Kochi: At least 64 authorised snake catchers of the forest department have been blacklisted for allegedly demanding excess money from residents to catch snakes and using unscientific methods while handling the reptiles. The department received complaints from the public alleging that some catchers were demanding thousands of rupees to catch snakes from their houses. A few catchers were reported to be catching snakes in an inebriated state while others often injured the animals during the process. "Usually, houseowners give Rs 300 or 500 to the catchers for meeting their travel expenses, which is acceptable. However, we received complaints that some snake catchers demanded Rs 2,000-3,000, claiming that it was midnight or they were coming from worksites to catch the snake. Owners are forced to give the amount considering the fact that the snake must be inside the house. Such handlers are exploiting the helplessness of houseowners, and the department cannot allow it. We blacklist such catchers by cancelling their certification. If they continue to catch snakes even after the blacklisting, their action will amount to hunting a scheduled animal, which is a punishable offence under the Protection of Wildlife Act 1972," said a forest officer. There are 3,072 certified catchers in the state. Of them, only 932 are active. Most of the certified catchers are based in Malappuram, where civil defence volunteers registered with the fire force come forward to undergo training to be certified snake catchers in the wake of recurring natural disasters there, said the officer. Under the Snake Awareness, Rescue and Protection App (SARPA) initiative, a platform where the public can connect with authorised snake catchers, around 58,000 snakes were rescued in Kerala since Jan 2021.
