Bhopal
The State Disaster Management Authority Home Department has issued instructions to the collector of all the districts to ensure necessary preparations and public awareness for the control and better management of snakebite events in view of the rainy season. The snake-dodge is declared a local disaster, an amount of Rs 23.17 lakh has been sanctioned for every district for its effective management. This amount will be used in works like training, public awareness, mock drill, equipment and propagation.
Sensitivity of snakebite
In the rainy season, due to waterlogging in the natural habitats of snakes, they come towards human settlements, which increases the incidence of snake-dodge. This danger is more in the circumstances of rural areas, fields, river banks and settlements, especially. It is very important to bring awareness among people about the above, and increase administrative vigilance. All districts have been directed to conduct awareness campaigns at the panchayat and urban ward levels. Awareness sessions should be held at schools, Anganwadis and community sites. Information should be widely spread through social media, radio, wall writing, banner-posters and public demonstrations (street plays etc.). It has been said in the instructions that local youth should be trained in the sensitive areas of snakebite and a team of ‘Sarp Mitra’, Civil Defense Volunteers and Snake-Cathers should be formed.
Database of snake-cataors ready, helpline number released
The government has been asked to ensure that in all the districts, a detailed database of ‘snake-centers’ and ‘snake friends’ should be prepared at the panchayat/ward level. Extensive publicity should also be done by issuing helpline numbers of snake friends. These friends should be provided with Snake Rescue Kit, First Aid Kit and Necessary Training, so that they can do quick and safe rescue work in the event of snakebite.
Instructions for proper arrangement of anti-venum and treatment in hospitals
Instructions have been given to ensure the medicines, equipment and adequate amounts of anti-venum stock required for the treatment of snakebite in government medical institutions. In primary health centers and district hospitals, citizens have been asked to showcase the information board giving information about the entire procedure related to first aid, warning signal, and snakebite.
Make a plan by including snake-taste in disaster management scheme
The districts have been directed to include snake-domination as a local disaster in the District Disaster Management Scheme. Under this, the risk evaluation of the events of pre -years, the impact area and the affected sections should be identified and the SOP should be prepared. Digital database should be made while doing GIS based mapping, in which the number of incidents, location, species of snake, and death/patients should be saved.
Precautions and advice for prevention of snakebite
People have been advised to take special vigilance in the rainy season. While working in the fields, wear shoes and gauge, wear dark clothes and apply gloves in your hands. Before working in places like shrubs, straw piles, wooden bundles etc., hit it lightly with sticks or sticks. Use flashlight in the dark and do not send children to open places without maintenance. Place cleanliness around the house, cut the bushes and remove garbage. Close the cracks present in the walls of the houses and abstain from sleeping in the open. If someone has bitten the snake, do not panic, keep the body calm and immediately reach the nearest health center or hospital. It is extremely harmful to cut, suck or apply any chemicals on the wound. Do not waste time in chandeliers, sorcery or tantric activities. This time can be a life saving, so every moment is invaluable.
Take a person suffering from snake bite to the hospital as soon as possible. If possible, remember the color, length or any picture of the snake, but do not try to kill or catch it, as it may cause any more danger. Many times snakes are not poisonous, but treatment can prove to be fatal in treatment. All citizens have been appealed to take this disaster related to snake-taste seriously. The arrangements made by the government and district administration will be effective only when the citizens themselves take precautions, will take treatment on time and cooperate in spreading awareness. The loss of snakebite can be controlled by joint efforts.