Pune: After Snakebite Crisis in Junnar Taluka, Dr Amol Kolhe Appeals For Financial Aid For Victims; Forest Department Takes Note

Narayangaon, 12th December 2023: Individuals bitten by snakes in Narayangaon can now receive financial assistance, as the Director General of the Central Forest Department, Chandra Prakash Goyal, has instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in the state to formulate guidelines for snakebite-related measures, including financial aid for victims. MP Dr Amol Kolhe spearheaded this initiative, advocating for financial assistance for those affected by snakebites.

In response to the escalating instances of snakebites in Junnar taluka, Dr Amol Kolhe met with Union Forest Minister Bhupendra Yadav and Director General Goyal. He highlighted the practice in other states, such as Karnataka, Odisha, Punjab, West Bengal, and Kerala, where financial assistance is provided to families in the event of death or permanent disability resulting from a snakebite. Driven by these examples, the demand was raised to extend similar financial aid to snakebite victims in Maharashtra.

Director General Goyal has promptly communicated this directive to Maharashtra State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests SG Tembhurnikar, urging immediate action to establish guidelines for the protection of local villagers from snakebites and compensation for those affected. Dr Kolhe expressed gratitude to Union Forest Minister Bhupendra Yadav and Director General Chandra Prakash Goyal for their swift response.

Dr Kolhe has called on Maharashtra State MLAs to raise this matter during the ongoing winter session, urging the state government to take swift action. He emphasized the need for the government to provide immediate financial assistance to families affected by snakebite-related deaths or permanent disabilities, offer free medical treatment, and consider the establishment of a snakebite centre in Junnar taluka.