Thane Launches Snakebite Awareness Campaign

The Tribal Development Department in Thane is set to launch a snakebite awareness and prevention campaign from September 19 to 26. The campaign will be conducted across all government, aided ashram schools, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and student hostels in the district.

The decision to launch this campaign comes after the Maharashtra government classified snakebite as a notified disease on August 18, 2026. This mandate requires strict reporting and monitoring of incidents, as well as upgraded emergency response mechanisms across all student accommodations.

Many of the residential institutions in Thane are situated near hilly, remote, and forested terrains, putting students at a heightened risk of encountering snakes, scorpions, and other wildlife. To address this risk, the campaign will focus on promoting scientific awareness, safe distances from wildlife, and immediate response steps.

Conducted alongside local snake experts, health workers, and forest department officials, every facility will host at least a one-hour session to educate students on snakebite prevention and emergency response. The curriculum will focus on three main principles: replacing fear with factual information, countering superstition with science, and avoiding delays in seeking medical care.

Live snake demonstrations have been strictly banned inside school premises to protect student safety. Instead, expert training sessions will be recorded and broadcast via the department's digital studio.

According to an official from the Tribal Development Department, the primary focus of the campaign is to replace fear with facts, superstition with science, and delays with immediate medical treatment. To prevent medical delays, headmasters, superintendents, and nurses are mandated to update emergency contacts every three months, ensuring direct access to nearby healthcare facilities, anti-snake venom availability, emergency transport, and local snake rescuers.

The campaign is a crucial step in addressing the risk of snakebites in Thane district, particularly in areas with high wildlife activity. By educating students and staff on snakebite prevention and emergency response, the department aims to reduce the risk of snakebite incidents and ensure timely medical treatment for those affected.

The launch of this campaign is a significant development in the district's efforts to promote snakebite awareness and prevention. With the campaign set to begin on September 19, students and staff in Thane's tribal schools and hostels can expect to receive critical training and education on snakebite prevention and emergency response.

In the long run, this campaign is expected to have a positive impact on the health and safety of students in Thane district, particularly those living in areas with high wildlife activity. By promoting scientific awareness and immediate response steps, the department can help reduce the risk of snakebite incidents and ensure that students receive timely medical treatment when needed.

Overall, the Thane snakebite awareness campaign is an important initiative that aims to educate students and staff on snakebite prevention and emergency response. With its focus on promoting scientific awareness, safe distances from wildlife, and immediate response steps, the campaign is a crucial step in addressing the risk of snakebites in the district.