Russell's Viper: Environment ministry issues directives on awareness and safety

In response to growing public concern about the reported presence of Russell's Viper, a venomous snake locally known as Chandrabora, Bora, or Ulubora, in various parts of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure public safety.

The directives insisted on caution and awareness rather than fear.

"While the presence of Russell's vipers is alarming, human encounters with these snakes are relatively unlikely. Russell's vipers typically inhabit lowland grasslands, thickets, open forests, and agricultural areas, generally avoiding human settlements.

"These snakes are well-camouflaged and may attack if they feel threatened. Due to their ability to swim, they have dispersed to different regions via rivers and flood waters. Therefore, everyone is urged to exercise caution in areas where these snakes have been sighted," reads the directive.

Under the guidance of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, the Forest Department is implementing various measures to address the issue, alongside actively monitoring the situation.

Local authorities and community groups have been directed to conduct awareness programmes to educate the public about the presence of Russell's vipers and safety measures.

People have been asked to exercise caution while driving or walking in areas where Russell's vipers have been reported, and avoid tall grass and bushes.

Other precautions include wearing boots and long pants when working in affected areas, using a flashlight when travelling at night, maintaining cleanliness around homes, and taking special care when handling fallen trees, firewood, and straw.

For any help, people have been asked to contact the National Helpline 333 or the nearest Forest Department office, instead of making any attempt to catch or kill snakes.

In case of any snake bite incident, the victims have been advised to seek medical attention promptly at the nearest hospital or healthcare centre. Antivenom is available free of charge at government hospitals, said the ministry.

Patients must avoid traditional healers, and the use of ointments, pricking, needles or any tight clothing on the bite site.

Maintain sufficient supplies of antivenom: Health minister 

Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has instructed all hospitals to maintain sufficient supplies of antivenom to ensure immediate treatment for snakebite victims.

"As the health minister, I want to assure the public not to panic about Russell's viper. We have a sufficient supply of antivenom in the hospitals," he said on Saturday during a virtual meeting with health officials and doctors.

He said if someone is bitten by a snake, the victim should be brought to a doctor quickly.

"Prompt medical intervention can completely cure the patient

"We have to make sure that snake bite victims are brought to the hospitals immediately," he added.

The health minister also urged civil surgeons and health department staff to coordinate with members of parliament in their respective areas to enhance their efforts to this end.

However, since killing snakes is illegal as per law and is a punishable offence, the environment ministry directive urged people to avoid harming wild animals and destroying their habitats.