3,500 Deaths In 6 Years: Snakebite 'Epidemic' Raises Hood In UP, But Centre's Move May Defang Menace
The union health ministry’s decision declaring snakebite cases and fatalities a 'notifiable disease' is expected to bring down the fatalities to an extent
Uttar Pradesh has long been grappling with a staggering number of snakebite fatalities, a crisis that has claimed nearly 3,500 lives over the past six years. With 957 deaths recorded in 2024 so far, the state continues to witness a grim trend, following 851 fatalities in 2023, 498 in 2022, and 981 in 2021.
But UP’s distressing picture seems all set to change, thanks to the union health ministry’s decision declaring snakebite cases and fatalities a “notifiable disease“, which is expected to bring down the fatalities to an extent.
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On the night of October 21, tragedy struck Sadarpur village in the Garhmukteshwar tehsil of Hapur district in Uttar Pradesh after Poonam Kumari, an agricultural labourer and the sole breadwinner for her family, returned home after a long day. Her husband’s failing health had left the responsibility of earning on her shoulders. Exhausted, she went to sleep with her two children, Sakshi (11) and Tanishq (9). As the family lay in deep slumber, a venomous snake crept into their home and bit Poonam and her children. The venom proved fatal, claiming all three lives instantly.
The grief-stricken village hadn’t yet recovered from the shock when, the very next day, another resident, Parvesh (35), was bitten by a snake, leaving him in critical condition. The horror didn’t end there. A day later, Parvesh’s wife also fell victim to a snakebite. While the couple managed to survive, they were in a critical condition, fighting for their lives.
Worrying trend
India is home to around 300 species of snakes. Of these, 60 are venomous, more than 40 are less venomous, and the rest are non-venomous. UP hosts over 38 species of snakes, including 18 highly venomous ones. This makes the state a hotspot for snakebite cases and one of the regions with the highest snakebite fatalities in the country.
Uttar Pradesh has recorded over 3,500 snakebite fatalities in the last six years, according to data from the Office of the Relief Commissioner. From April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2024, the state saw a troubling rise in such cases, with 2024 marking the highest toll—957 deaths reported so far. Banda district recorded the most fatalities, with 59 deaths, followed by Ghazipur at 52. Hardoi (41), Fatehpur (42), Sitapur (43), and Lakhimpur Kheri (37) also reported significant numbers. In contrast, districts like Agra, Moradabad, Baghpat, Lucknow, Maharajganj, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Unnao were the least affected, with only one death each, except for Moradabad and Unnao, which recorded two fatalities each.
‘Notifiable disease’ tag
However, the union ministry of health’s announcement declaring snakebite cases and fatalities a “notifiable disease" is expected to bring much-needed relief to thousands of agricultural workers, tribal communities, and residents of remote villages who bear the brunt of the snakebite crisis. Earlier, Tamil Nadu took the lead by declaring snakebite envenoming a notifiable disease under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act of 1939.
But how can the decision to make snakebites a notifiable disease change UP’s grim picture? Dr Ghyasuddin Khan, a forensic medicine expert and additional director at UP State Medico Legal Cell, Lucknow, termed the move “most commendable" and a significant step towards reducing fatalities. “Declaring snakebites as a notifiable disease ensures mandatory reporting of every case, enabling real-time data collection. This is crucial for understanding the scale and distribution of snakebite incidents across the state. Improved surveillance will allow for quicker medical responses, better resource allocation, and identification of high-risk areas, ultimately reducing fatalities and long-term disabilities," Dr Khan told News18.
He also highlighted the broader implications of this decision. “Other than public health, it bolsters snake conservation efforts. Systematically addressing snakebites fosters awareness about the ecological importance of snakes, reduces fear-based killings, and promotes coexistence. Accurate data can help differentiate between venomous and non-venomous incidents, dispelling myths and educating communities about the role of snakes in controlling pests and maintaining biodiversity," Dr Khan said.
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