Hapur: In Sadarpur, a small village in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district, a tense calm blankets the community as villagers struggle with a deadly menace – poisonous snakebites.
Many families have abandoned their homes, and only a few remain, mostly men, who now sleep on high cots beneath a large neem tree. They take turns to stay awake at night, guarding each other from snakes. This vigilant practice, however, is not enough to counter a crisis that claims thousands of lives each year.
India tops in number of snakebite deaths globally
India leads the world in snakebite deaths, with around 58,000 people losing their lives annually. A significant portion of these deaths occur in Uttar Pradesh.
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Although the government has launched efforts like the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), deeply rooted beliefs continue to guide communities away from medical care, relying instead on traditional rituals that often lead to tragedy.
Superstition-driven snakebite treatment methods
An investigation by The Times of India into rural Uttar Pradesh revealed disturbing practices that highlight how superstition still drives snakebite treatment methods.
In the village of Jahangirabad, located in Bulandshahr, a young man named Mohit Kumar fell victim to a snakebite in April. Rather than taking him to a hospital, his family hung his body over the Ganga river with his toes dipping in the water. They believed the river would draw the venom out of his body. Mohit remained in this suspended position for two days until he passed away.
In Shahjahanpur, a similar story unfolded in 2021 when two children were bitten by a snake. Their family, trusting in the healing powers of cow dung, buried the children in it. Unfortunately, both children lost their lives before receiving any real medical assistance.
According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), very few snakebite victims seek medical help. The NCDC’s NAPSE document explains that snakebite incidents are often unreported, making it difficult to capture the true scale of the crisis. To address this, NAPSE encourages immediate medical treatment, including the use of antivenom, which is the most effective way to combat venomous snakebites.
Yet, the struggle to shift mindsets remains a significant barrier. In regions like Hapur, where deeply held traditions prevail, families are hesitant to seek professional medical help, relying instead on faith healers and customary remedies. This reliance on outdated methods, while comforting for some, continues to drive the snakebite death toll higher.
