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NHRC Orders States to Improve Snakebite Treatment and Safety
India’s human rights body wants snakebite treatment to become easier to get.
It told states and Union Territories to keep anti-snake venom in remote places where snakebites happen often.
It also asked officials to find dangerous areas and record how many snakebites occur there.
The order came after deaths at a tribal student hostel in Maharashtra and a reported treatment delay in Uttar Pradesh.
The body said hostels in forests and remote areas should have safe beds, enough staff and quick medical help.
Officials must report what actions they take.
Snakebite numbers also increased in Gautam Budh Nagar during 2025.
The district recorded 143 cases by August, including many venomous bites.
The National Human Rights Commission directed all states and Union Territories to maintain adequate anti-snake venom supplies in remote and snakebite-prone areas.
Authorities were told to identify high-risk locations, collect snakebite data and strengthen emergency healthcare infrastructure.
The directions followed cases involving three tribal girls’ deaths at a residential school hostel in Gadchiroli and a death allegedly linked to delayed treatment in Chitrakoot.
The NHRC also called for safety reviews at tribal ashram shalas and hostels, including sleeping arrangements, staffing, secure campuses and emergency access.
Gautam Budh Nagar recorded 115 snakebite cases from January through July and 143 cases through August 2025, according to health department data.
- Who
- The National Human Rights Commission, led in this matter by Member Priyank Kanoongo, directed state and Union Territory authorities to act.
- What
- It ordered improvements in anti-snake venom availability, snakebite data collection, emergency infrastructure and safety standards at remote residential hostels.
- Where
- The cases concerned Gadchiroli in Maharashtra and Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh; additional snakebite data came from Gautam Budh Nagar.
- When
- The directions were issued on Tuesday; the cited Gautam Budh Nagar data covers January through August 2025, while one separate family incident reportedly occurred on August 3.
- Why
- The action followed deaths after snakebites, including three tribal students and a victim whose treatment allegedly faced a delay in receiving anti-snake venom.
Key facts
- Issuing body
- National Human Rights Commission
- NHRC member
- Priyank Kanoongo headed the Bench considering the cases.
- Maharashtra case
- Three tribal girl students died following a snakebite at a tribal residential school hostel in Gadchiroli.
- Uttar Pradesh case
- A snakebite victim died in Chitrakoot, allegedly after a delay in making anti-snake venom available.
- Gautam Budh Nagar, January-July 2025
- The district recorded 115 snakebite cases, including 57 venomous bites.
- Gautam Budh Nagar in July
- There were 55 reported snakebite cases, including 30 venomous bites.
- Gautam Budh Nagar through August 2025
- The district recorded 143 cases.
Sources
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