THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Wildlife Warden Dr Pramod G Krishnan has urged heightened preparedness against snakebites after three deaths were reported this month, including two children. He directed Sarpa (Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App) volunteers and forest staff across Kerala to work with local panchayats to strengthen preventive measures. Awareness drives are being organised to highlight precautions during summer and the breeding season of venomous snakes.
Pramod said the forest department has deployed about 3,600 trained snake volunteers statewide to respond to emergencies. Available round-the-clock, they are tasked with safely capturing and releasing snakes. The Sarpa mobile app has been introduced to coordinate rescue operations.
He advised residents to clear hiding spots such as cracks, burrows, and piles of debris near homes, warning that summer heat and breeding activity increase risks. Food waste that attracts rats and domestic birds can also draw snakes. He cautioned that children playing outdoors during vacation should avoid bushes, rubble, and large stones.
District-level committees chaired by district collectors have been instructed to ensure antivenom availability in hospitals, display awareness posters in schools and public places, and oversee clearing of roadside vegetation. Pramod stressed that snakebite victims must be taken immediately to the nearest hospital with antivenom facilities, without delay or panic.
He also highlighted the department’s awareness initiatives, including ‘Sarpa padom’ (Snake Lessons) in schools and ‘Sarpa suraksha’ (Snake Safety) inspections ahead of each academic year.
According to the department, snakebite deaths in Kerala have fallen sharply since the launch of the Sarpa project in 2020 – from 123 fatalities in 2018-19 to 18 in 2025-26.