Udupi: In the Udupi district, which is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, there has been an increase in cases of venomous snake bites in the year 2023, compared to the year 2022.

According to the statistics of the health department's surveillance unit, 572 snake bite cases have been reported in Udupi district during the last three years. 38 in 2021, 260 in 2022 and 274 in 2023 were bitten by venomous snakes and one died in 2023.

Only one death has been reported in the last three years due to the availability of medicines and appropriate treatment in all government hospitals related to snake bites in the district. Also, there are multi-specialty hospitals here, so many people have escaped from danger.

4 Venomous Snakes: Cobra, Kadambala (Kattu snake), Kannadi snake and Garagasa Hurupeya Mandala snake are venomous in the Udupi district. Medicines are available if any of these four snakes bite.

No medicine has been found so far for rattlesnake bites found in the Western Ghats. Because it is very rare for this snake to bite common people. Reptile expert Ajayagiri says that although the strength of the venom of the rattlesnake is less than that of the cobra, the quantity of venom is higher.

The Kannadi snake is most active during the rainy season. It stays in one place for many days and waits for its prey amid the trees. It will only attack to protect itself if it is trampled by those coming for wood. Such cases are often reported in the district. Breeding of most snakes takes place between December and February. The reptile expert has informed there will be more movement during this period.

“All the primary health centres of the district have sufficient stock of medicines related to snake bites. Also, we have all the necessary facilities for treatment. The District Collector has also called a meeting and sought information about this. Although many cases of snake bites have been reported in our district, only one death has occurred. That too, a man with mental problems was bitten by a snake and his death happened because he did not inform his family until his last moment.”
- Dr. I.P. Gadadh, District Health and Family Welfare Officer

“Snakes don't just bite anyone. Cobras give different warnings before they bite. Because if it bites, it will cause more damage. No cases of rattlesnake bites have been reported to the general public. It bites only those who catch it and torture it.”
-Ajay Giri, Reptologist

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Hyderabad, Nov 25: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday announced that the state government will not accept the Rs 100 crore CSR donation committed by industrialist Gautam Adani for the Young India Skills University being set up in the state.

The CM's announcement came days after the indictment of the Adani Group chairman in a US court.

In a letter to Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, the state government's Special Chief Secretary (Industries) Jayesh Ranjan said he has been "instructed by the chief minister not to seek the transfer of funds in view of the present circumstances and arising controversies".

While thanking Priti Adani for committing Rs 100 crore to the skills university, the official said the state government has so far not asked any of the donors for physical transfer of funds since the university had not received the IT exemption under Section 80 G. However, the IT exemption order has now been received recently.

Addressing a press conference here, Revanth Reddy said the decision was taken as the Congress government does not want to find itself in any unwarranted controversy amid the allegations against the Adani Group.

He said so far the Telangana government has not accepted a single rupee into its account from any organisation, including Adani Group, for the skills university being established to promote employment avenues for youth.

"I and my Cabinet colleagues do not want to be involved in unnecessary discussions and situations that would dent Telangana's image or my own," Reddy said.

Gautam Adani met the chief minister here on Octrober 18 and symbolically handed over a cheque for Rs 100 crore towards donation to the skills university.

Asked about the comments of BRS that the government should cancel the Adani Group's investment proposals in the state, Reddy said the government will have to take legal opinion for cancellation of any agreements as the other party can go to courts against unilateral termination of pacts.

On BRS working president K T Rama Rao's comments that the previous BRS regime did not allow Adani Group into the state, Reddy displayed photographs of former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and Rama Rao with Gautam Adani to the mediapersons.

He also read out a list of Adani Group's investment proposals reportedly approved by the BRS government.

"Is he (Rama Rao) ready for a probe on these," Reddy asked.

When pointed out that the state government discussed investment proposals with the Adani Group though Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been raising questions on Adani for several years now, he said Congress is not against any investment proposal or corporate house but crony capitalism and violation of rules.

It is his responsibility to follow his leader when the latter is raising his voice on an issue, Reddy said.