Increase in Venomous snake bites in Udupi District
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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Annpurna Devi expresses anguish over girl's rape in TN, urges NCW to act
New Delhi (PTI): Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi on Tuesday expressed her anguish over the alleged gang rape of a girl in Tamil Nadu and urged the National Commission for Women to take immediate cognisance of the matter.
In a post on X, Devi said, "Deeply anguished by this horrific incident. I urge the NCW to take immediate cognisance and act swiftly in coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure the strictest action against all culprits."
Devi said, "Justice must be swift and unsparing — the accused must be brought to book without delay," adding, "the safety, dignity, and justice of every daughter of India remain our highest priority."
"We stand firmly with the survivor and her family in this difficult hour," she said.
Reacting to a post by former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai, who flagged concerns over the law and order situation in the state, Devi said such incidents "expose grave concerns" under the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government.
Annamalai, in his post, alleged that a 15-year-old girl from Kanchipuram, who had come to participate in a temple festival near Seyyaru in Tiruvannamalai district, was gangraped.
He said the incident was "deeply shocking and enraging" to him and alleged that such crimes point to a "complete failure" of law and order in Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai demanded immediate arrest of all those involved and the "harshest punishments" for the accused.
He also called for full protection and mental health counselling for the survivor and her family.
