Joint action by MC, Health Dept, residents can save lives

Coordinated cleaning efforts required

The increase in snakebite cases to 60 this monsoon — attributed to rampant wild growth on vacant plots and inadequate urban sanitation — raises the question of accountability. Civic authorities, landowners and the Health Department should collectively share the burden. The civic body must ensure timely clearing of wild growth on public land and strictly enforce cleanliness norms. Landowners should be held accountable for maintaining vacant plots to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for snakes. The Health Department’s role is crucial; it must stock anti-venom at local clinics and train frontline health workers to handle emergencies. Immediate steps should include coordinated clean-up initiatives and the placement of warning signage in susceptible locations. Although snakebites are preventable tragedies, awareness programmes should be conducted, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods where open drains and waste accumulation are prevalent, to protect individuals from snakebites. Safeguarding communities necessitates a cohesive effort wherein each stakeholder responds promptly and resolutely, as procrastination in this struggle might result in loss of life.

Novin Christopher

Civic authorities must take responsibility

Accountability must be clearly defined to ensure effective action to control snakebite cases in the city. It is the primary duty of the civics authorities to enforce sanitation, clear public land and penalise negligent landowners. Such cases rise due to failed maintenance of drains, garbage disposal and vacant plots that contribute to snake habitats. Landowners must maintain plots as overgrowth attracts rodents and snakes. Civic authorities must impose heavy fines for neglected properties. The Health Department must ensure anti-venom availability, emergency protocols and community awareness. Citizens must cooperate with the civic authorities to minimise the rate of snakebites so that precious lives can be saved.

Dr Mohammad Saleem Farooqui

Ensure cleanliness to prevent wild growth

The first and main step is cleaning all public places such as roads and streets. Vacant plots, if well-protected, can prevent the spread of wild growth. The civic body can play an important role in this by distributing snake-proof fencing kits to secure vacant plots and keep them clean so that snakes do not hide or breed there. Planting snake-deterring shrubs as green buffer zones can guide and protect people from snakebites. In case of a snakebite, a mobile application can help residents report sightings and warn nearby communities in real time. Local youth can be trained in safe snake relocation and first aid. Wild growth can be reduced by establishing community compost hubs to prevent waste dumping, along with seasonal cleaning drives before the rains. Solar LED perimeter lights and portable snakebite aid stations with basic treatments can save lives in vulnerable areas.

Komalpreet Kaur

Shared responsibility of all stakeholders

Responsibility for the rise in snakebite cases must be shared. Civic authorities should ensure regular clearing of wild growth, proper waste disposal, and maintenance of public spaces. Landowners must be held accountable for managing vacant plots, as unchecked vegetation creates ideal snake habitats. The Health Department should focus on stocking anti-venom, training medical staff, and launching awareness campaigns. Immediate steps include clearing overgrown areas, filling pits, and enforcing plot maintenance laws. Vulnerable groups like farmers and outdoor workers should be encouraged to wear protective gear. In rural areas, promoting safe sleeping practices—such as using raised beds and mosquito nets—can reduce risk. Public education on snakebite first aid and discouraging reliance on traditional remedies is crucial. Emergency helplines and rapid response teams should be established to ensure timely medical attention. A coordinated, proactive approach is essential to safeguard communities during the monsoon.

Jagjit Singh

Snakebite cases rising this monsoon

Monsoon season brings joy and happiness but as we can see, this monsoon snakebites cases rising to 60, making it a very serious issue. All of us, including the civic authorities, landowners and Health Department, equally share the responsibility. Poor urban hygiene and wild growth on vacant plots are such issues that should not be ignored. We all on our individual parts should take some steps so that such problems can be prevented before it is too late. The civic authorities should ensure that proper hygiene is maintained in their areas. There should be no stagnant water left on the roads, there should be proper drainage system. Landowners should make sure that their plots should not have wild growth as it can become hiding place for snakes and will be very risky for people living near that plot. The Health Department should keep a check on vacant plots and make a system for pest control. By taking some measures on our individual part, we can be safe from many problems.

Harguneet Kaur

Constitute snakebite response teams

There should be 24/7 snakebite response teams with antivenom access in hotspots. There must be a public helpline for rapid snake removal and medical aid.

The civic body must cut grass, remove debris and fine owners. For clean-up drives, involve locals in hygiene campaigns. The civic authorities must reduce snake prey sources through pest management. Train health workers for rural/urban clinics on snakebite first aid. Teach “do’s & don’ts” (e.g., avoid walking barefoot at night). Penalise unmaintained plots and reward compliance. Designate green zones away from homes. The civic authorities must lead, but collaboration with Health Departments and landowners is critical. Immediate action should prioritise cleanup, healthcare readiness and community empowerment.

Farzana Khan

Landowners must keep property clean

To address the rising snakebite cases, responsibility should be shared among civic authorities, landowners and the Health Department. The civic authorities can ensure proper waste management, clean vacant plots and maintain drainage systems to prevent snake habitats. Landowners must keep their properties clean and snake-proof. The Health Department should provide awareness, medical care and anti-venom supplies. Immediate steps include educating people on snakebite prevention, symptoms and first aid; organising snake removal drives in high-risk areas; ensuring regular waste collection and disposal; conducting cleanliness drives in vacant plots and public spaces; stocking anti-venom and training medical staff; and engaging with local communities to promote snakebite prevention. By working together, these measures can reduce snakebite incidents and protect vulnerable communities.

Jaspreet Kaur

Conduct regular inspections

During the monsoon season, the emergence of snakes is a matter of serious concern. One of the main reasons for this is vacant plots. The responsibility for such plots is shared, but the primary responsibility lies with the Municipal Corporation team. They should ensure that these plots are cleaned regularly, which will significantly reduce the risk of snakes appearing. The plot owners also have a duty to keep their plots clean. If they fail to maintain cleanliness, the government should impose fines on them. This would encourage them to take the matter seriously and help prevent the growth of bushes, garbage accumulation, or water stagnation that attracts snakes. Regular inspections should be carried out every month to ensure cleanliness is being maintained. Such a system would not only control the snake problem but also improve the overall hygiene of the area, protecting residents from potential dangers and promoting a healthier environment for everyone. With combined efforts of authorities and owners, the risk can be greatly minimised.

Ishpreet Kaur

Everyone must work in tandem

The number of snakebite cases has increased since the monsoon arrived. At least three people have already died in such incidents. There have been nearly 60 complaints of snakebite in Ludhiana so far. This is a worrisome situation. Five persons reportedly lost their lives in the city’s peripheral regions. All stakeholders like Health Department and local governments, along with residents, are to work in tandem. As local bodies are responsible for cleaning and drainage of rainy water and health department officials should be ready early treatment in cases of snake bites. People should be more careful during rainy days. Snakebite cases rise during the monsoon as the pits where the reptiles live get filled with water and they have to seek shelter in shrubs and bushes. Snakebite symptoms include redness and swelling around the bite area, nausea, blurred vision, difficulty

breathing and numbness in the face and limbs. Residents should be informed on how to administer first aid to snakebite victims. First, calm the person down, clean the wound with bathing soap, do not cut or attempt to remove the venom, cover the wound with a loose sterile bandage, remove shoes if the leg or feet was bitten, and transport him to the civil hospital immediately. Residents should be more cautious during the monsoon season. Wearing heavy boots is among the most effective ways to avoid snake bites. Be cautious at night, use a torch. Snakes are difficult to spot and are more likely to bite if someone steps on them or comes too close. Do not walk barefoot or wear sandals. Be cautious around water, as snakes are drawn to rivers and ponds. When moving through tall grass or weeds, poke the ground in front of you with a long stick to scare snakes away. Research shows cinnamon oil, clove oil and eugenol are effective snake repellents.

Sukhdev Sharma

All bodies must work hand in hand

The issue of rising snakebite cases, with 60 reported this year due to rain. In a situation with rising snakebite cases due to unkempt vacant plots and poor hygiene, responsibility should be shared between the civic authorities and the landowner. The civic authorities are responsible for maintaining public hygiene and addressing overgrown vegetation, while the landowner is responsible for maintaining their property. In a situation with rising snakebite cases, responsibility should be shared among civic authorities, landowners, and the Health Department. The civic authorities are responsible for maintaining public.

Anmol Singh

Make anti-venom drug available across city

This monsoon, snakebite incidents have risen, mainly due to unchecked wild growth on vacant plots and poor hygiene in many urban areas. The government must take immediate action to improve sanitation and cleanliness, as these conditions provide ideal hiding spots for snakes. Medicines and anti-venom should be available in every part of the city to ensure timely treatment. Strict action is needed against owners of vacant plots who neglect maintenance, as overgrowth and waste create serious safety hazards. Public awareness is equally important—citizens should be educated about the risks of snakebite and trained in essential first-aid steps to help victims until medical help arrives. Preventing snakebites requires joint efforts from civic authorities, landowners, health department and residents. With proactive hygiene measures, strict enforcement and proper education, this growing threat can be effectively controlled.

Navneet Singh

Fine plot owners for neglecting property

During the monsoon, the emergence of snakes is a matter of serious concern. One of the main reasons for this is vacant plots and pits. The responsibility for such plots is shared, but the primary responsibility lies with the municipal corporation team. They should ensure that these plots are cleaned regularly, which will significantly reduce the risk of snakes appearing. The plot owners also have a duty to keep their plots clean. If they fail to maintain cleanliness, the government should impose fines on them. This would encourage them to take the matter seriously and help prevent growth of bushes, garbage accumulation or water stagnation that attracts snakes. Regular inspections should be carried out every month to ensure cleanliness is being maintained. Such a system would not only control the snake problem but also improve the overall hygiene of the area, protecting residents from potential dangers and promoting a healthier environment for everyone. With combined efforts of authorities and owners, the risk can be greatly minimised.

Ishpreet kaur

Focus on prevention of cases

Snakebite cases rising due to wild vegetation in vacant plots and poor urban hygiene is a public health and urban governance issue — so the responsibility is shared, but with different primary roles. On the part of civic authorities they should maintain hygiene and clear the public parks and plots. Also every month mosquitoes resisting spray should be done in order to prevent diseases like dengue and typhoid as well. The administration should declare areas where there are increased risks of snakebites as red or yellow zones. Landowners should be aware of the sanitation of their own plots and should cut of the extra vegetation. Also should regularly allow inspections if needed. Health department should train their staff and doctors to deal with these cases in emergency and maintain hygiene as much as possible. Preventing snakebite deaths is not just a medical challenge but a test of urban responsibility — where civic bodies must act, landowners must care and health departments must prepare, so that no life is lost to a hazard we can clearly foresee and prevent.

Japleen Kaur

Install more streetlights

Snakebite cases are more common during the rainy season. To reduce this, the Municipal Corporation should clean up vacant plots. Grass should also be cut in empty plots during the season. Anyone who dumps garbage in an empty plot should be severely fined. The only solution to this is to arrange lighting in the areas. If anyone is bitten by a snake medical teams should be ready in rural and urban areas. People should always keep streets and drains clean to avoid accidents. Authorities concerned must create awareness among people. Empty plots should be cleaned every month. This responsibility does not belong to the municipal corporation alone, it is the responsibility of all of us.

Prabhjot Kaur

Ensure compensation for victims

Snakebite incidents have seen a sharp rise this monsoon, with 60 shocking cases reported so far. The primary cause is the unchecked wild vegetation growth in vacant plots across the city. These plots, often left unattended by their owners, have turned into mini-forests, creating ideal habitats for snakes. During the monsoon, snakes are often forced out of their shelters due to waterlogging, pushing them into human-populated areas. While landowners must take responsibility for maintaining their unused or vacant plots, civic authorities also have a critical role to play in ensuring urban hygiene, enforcing sanitation laws and addressing waterlogging issues. The Health Department should ensure adequate compensation and reimbursement for victims, along with well-equipped hospitals with proper treatment facilities. Public awareness campaigns must be conducted to educate citizens about preventive measures, first-aid steps in case of snakebites, and the dangers of relying on untrained snake charmers.

Tanveen Kaur