Ludhiana snakebite cases jump 34% in two years, monsoon blamed

Ludhiana district has reported 99 snakebite cases so far this year, a 34% increase from the 74 cases recorded in the same period of 2024. The number has already surpassed the 94 cases reported in the corresponding period last year. Health officials and wildlife experts attribute the rise to monsoon rains that force snakes out of flooded burrows into fields, pathways and residential areas.

Data from Civil Hospital shows monsoon months of June to August account for 63 of the 99 cases, nearly 64% of the total. The majority of victims are farmers and agricultural labourers from rural areas who work in knee-deep water in paddy fields. Two farmers quoted in the report said snake sightings have increased significantly after every spell of rain this season.

Dr Amanpreet Kaur, district family planning officer, said every snakebite should be treated as a medical emergency regardless of species, and warned against relying on traditional remedies. Anti-snake venom is available at Civil Hospital and community health centres. With paddy cultivation still underway, the risk of snake-human encounters is expected to remain high in the coming weeks.