New Delhi, Sept 4, 2025 – A recent scientific study has raised serious concerns over the growing risk of snakebites in northern and northeastern India. Researchers have discovered that climate change, particularly rising temperatures and humidity, is allowing the infamous “Big Four” venomous snakes—the Common Krait, Russell’s Viper, Saw-scaled Viper, and Indian Cobra—to migrate into areas previously considered low-risk.
The World Health Organization estimates that India records the highest number of snakebite deaths in the world, averaging around 50,000 annually. Experts fear that the spread of these species will further strain rural healthcare systems, which already face shortages of antivenom. Authorities are being urged to improve distribution channels, provide better medical training in rural hospitals, and launch mass awareness campaigns to help people recognize and respond to snakebite emergencies.
Health officials are now calling for urgent action, warning that snakebite cases could rise significantly if no intervention is made in the coming years.