Snakebite cases: No claimants for reimbursement, compensation in dist

Despite multiple snakebite deaths reported in the district during the ongoing monsoon season, not a single compensation claim has been filed with the Punjab Mandi Board, the agency responsible for providing financial aid in such cases. It is in stark contrast to other districts in the state where only five families of victims have received Rs 3 lakh each over the past three months after fatal snakebites.

Officials and experts blame lack of awareness among the public and local authorities for the low number of claims.

According to officials, the Punjab Mandi Board covers the full cost of treatment in snakebite cases and also provides Rs 3 lakh compensation to the next of kin, if the patient dies. Many victims in rural areas are either treated by quacks or never reach hospitals, resulting in unreported cases.

“Unfortunately, people still contact ‘saperas’ (snake charmers), instead of reaching out to trained snake catchers from the Wildlife Department. As a result, many cases go unreported and neither hospital treatment nor compensation benefits are availed,” said an official from the Wildlife Department, requesting anonymity.|

In Ludhiana district alone, at least five snakebite deaths have been reported this monsoon season. However, due to poor documentation and lack of awareness, no compensation has been disbursed in the district. The data with the Mandi Board shows four fatalities were reported from Sardulgarh and one from Sangrur, where the board successfully provided financial aid to the victims’ families.

“We offer compensation as well as reimbursement for treatment expenses but only a few families come forward to claim these benefits,” said Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman of the board.

Wildlife Department officials said snake sighting was most common from February to October, peaking during the rainy season when the reptiles are forced to move out of waterlogged burrows in search of shelter. In cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Phillaur, trained rescue teams respond to 15–20 snake sightings daily at houses, parks and vacant plots.

Trained catchers bust misconceptions

Parwinder Singh, a certified snake rescuer who works with the Wildlife Department and has trained in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Odisha, said he rescues and safely releases two to three snakes every day into the Mattewara forests or near Sutlej banks.

He also works to bust common myths — particularly the belief that snakes respond to musical instruments such as ‘been’. “That’s a misconception. Only a few species in the country are venomous, such as the Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper, and Saw-scaled Viper,” he said, adding that immediate medical attention was essential if bitten,” he said.

“People should avoid going to quacks. Government hospitals are well-equipped with anti-venom vaccines and symptoms such as swelling, nausea, blurred vision, stomach pain or tingling should never be ignored,” he advised.

Parwinder, who has over 17 years of experience, said most people remain unaware that the government fully reimburses the treatment cost for snakebites. “Many lives could be saved if the information was widely known,” he said.

Professional snake catchers usually charge between Rs 400-Rs 500 per rescue.

The authorities have been continuing to urge residents to contact the Wildlife Department in case of a snake sighting and to seek immediate hospital treatment if bitten. With better awareness, both lives and rightful compensation can be saved.

Avoid untrained catchers: Experts

Experts also warn against taking help of untrained snake charmers. Improper handling can injure the snake, particularly if its fangs break, leading to starvation and eventual death. “A cobra’s venom is potent enough to kill up to 180 persons. Capturing a snake requires skill and care. The goal is always to release it back into the wild,” said an expert.

What official says

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said kin of snake-bite victims could submit applications in their respective tehsils, Health Department, Mandi Board or to SDMs after taking death certificate from the Health Department or hospital authorities and it would be moved to the Mandi Board for reimbursement (in snakebite victims’ treatment) or compensation (in death cases).