August 30th 2024.
In the town of Keonjhar, a notice has been issued by the National Human Rights Commission to the state Chief Secretary. This notice directs the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report on the government's efforts to reduce deaths caused by snakebites in the state. Additionally, the NHRC has requested Action Taken Reports from the District Magistrate of Subarnapur and the District Magistrate of Keonjhar. This is to ensure that appropriate actions are taken in response to the incidents mentioned in the petition. On August 28th of this year, the NHRC passed this order after considering a petition filed by Radhakanta Tripathy, an advocate and human rights activist.
In the petition, Tripathy has mentioned several incidents of snakebites occurring in hospitals, police stations, schools, Anganwadis, and residential homes in Odisha. They have also highlighted the state government's failure to provide safety and security in public places, including government offices. One of the incidents mentioned is that of Baju Champiya, who was bitten by a snake while sleeping on the verandah of a subdivisional hospital in Anandapur, Keonjhar. His mother was receiving treatment for diarrhoea and there were no available beds inside the hospital. Another incident involved a four-month-old girl who was sleeping with her mother in Ghatuan village when she was bitten by a snake and unfortunately passed away upon reaching the hospital.
Tripathy's petition also brings to light the death of Goura Kumbhar, a snake rescuer, who was bitten by a snake while demonstrating its movements inside the Birmaharajpur police station in Subarnapur district. The police personnel were busy watching the snake instead of providing assistance to Kumbhar. Tripathy argues that due to the government's negligence and failure to save lives from snakebites, over 7,000 people have died in the state in the last eight years.
In light of this serious issue, the NHRC has requested certain information from the Chief Secretary. This includes expert opinions on how to minimize snakebite incidents, awareness programs, and ensuring the availability of anti-venom serum in primary health centers and community health centers. The NHRC has also asked for details on the timely monetary relief provided to the next of kin of snakebite victims and a list of trained individuals with their contact numbers. They have also urged for the deployment of snake catchers in localities to prevent poisonous reptiles from entering human habitats. The authorities have been given eight weeks to respond to these requests. Tripathy had previously submitted a petition that contributed to the National Action Plan for snakebite deaths.
The NHRC's actions show the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action. It is crucial for the government to take necessary steps to prevent further deaths caused by snakebites. With this in mind, the NHRC has requested prompt responses from all the authorities involved.
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