Sarpa Snakebite App Helps Kerala Reduce Snakebite Deaths

The Sarpa app has been instrumental in saving lives in Kerala, where snakebite-related deaths have decreased significantly since its launch. The app has been used by over 1.5 million people in the state.

In Kerala, the Sarpa app has been particularly effective in rural areas, where access to medical facilities is limited. By providing critical information on snake identification and treatment, the app has empowered locals to take swift action in the event of a snakebite.

The app's success can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, which allows users to upload pictures of the snake for identification. This feature has proven to be a game-changer in rural areas, where access to experts may be limited.

As a result of the app's efforts, Kerala has seen a notable reduction in snakebite-related deaths. The state's health department has reported a significant decrease in fatalities, with the app playing a crucial role in this achievement.

The Sarpa app is designed to be user-friendly and efficient in helping you deal with snake encounters. It has sections to easily enter the details of a spotted snake or a snake bite incident.

You can also use the app to identify snakes easily, thanks to its specific portion dedicated to this task. The app's list of rescuers and forest officials makes it easy to contact them and seek scientific solutions to medical emergencies caused by snakes.

The app has sub-sections that carry contact details of hospitals that deal with snake bite cases, first aid essentials, and the nature and identity of snake bites. It can also help victims and rescuers identify the nearest healthcare facility where antivenom is available.

The Sarpa app is a game-changer for snake bite cases in Kerala.

The app has sections to easily enter the details of a spotted snake or a snake bite incident, making it a valuable tool for those in need.

You can quickly contact rescuers and forest officials through the app's list of contacts, seeking scientific solutions to medical emergencies caused by snakes.

The app also has sub-sections with contact details of hospitals that deal with snake bite cases, first aid essentials, and the nature and identity of snake bites.

The app can help victims and rescuers identify the nearest healthcare facility where antivenom is available, making it a crucial resource in emergency situations.

According to Forest Assistant Conservator Y Mohammad Anwar, the app has facilitated species-specific data on snakes in Kerala, which has been invaluable in bringing down the number of snake bite deaths.

The app has listed different hotspots where snakes frequent during temple festivals and peak movement of devotees, helping to counter the sudden surge of snake bite cases.

The project aims at eliminating snake bite deaths in the state, with 80 percent of deaths related to human-wildlife conflicts occurring in Kerala being due to snakes.

A user-friendly interface is crucial for a successful app. It's the first thing users interact with, and it can make or break their experience.

The app's home screen is often the first impression users have of the app's functionality. In our app, the home screen is clean and minimalistic, making it easy for users to navigate.

A well-designed navigation menu can make a huge difference in user engagement. Our app's menu is organized into clear categories, making it easy for users to find what they need.

Intuitive buttons and icons can also contribute to a positive user experience. In our app, buttons are large and colorful, making it hard to miss them.

The app's layout is designed to be responsive, meaning it adapts to different screen sizes and devices. This ensures that users can access the app from anywhere, on any device.

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The Forest Department has a network of 1,720 trained volunteers/rescuers who conduct an average of 10,000 rescue operations annually.

These rescuers work together with the Health Department and Kerala Disaster Management Authority to make rescue operations more proactive and quick.

The app lists rescuers in the area, and when a rescuer approves a request, the details are automatically sent to the Forest Department.

The app also includes a list of antivenom treatments available in hospitals in every district, and primary details of venomous and non-venomous snakes.

Forest officers say that snake sightings have gone up due to uncontrolled construction activities, destruction of forest cover, and poor waste management.

Rescuers should handle snakes scientifically with necessary safety materials to avoid snake bites, but some rescuers use unscientific techniques that lead to bites.

The Forest Department has a network of 1,720 trained volunteers/rescuers from all walks of life, including experts and common people, who conduct an average of 10,000 rescue operations annually.

These rescuers are equipped with necessary safety materials and are trained to handle snakes scientifically.

If you need help rescuing a snake, you'll find a list of rescuers in the area in the app, which will be automatically sent to the Forest Department when a rescuer approves the request.

The primary details of venomous and non-venomous snakes are available in the app, including a list of antivenom treatments available in hospitals in every district.

Only trained people have the right to catch and rescue snakes from human habitations, as per the government's insistence, to ensure safe and scientific handling.

Rescuers should handle snakes scientifically with the necessary safety materials, but some rescuers still use unscientific techniques that are the main reason behind snake bites today.

The app will display the rescue details and photos, making it easier to track and record snake rescues.

Forest officers receive more than 50 calls a day from urban areas, highlighting the need for responsible and scientific snake handling practices.

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Receiving proper care and attention is crucial for a snake's recovery, and the first step is to provide a safe and stable environment.

A well-ventilated, escape-proof enclosure with a heat source and hiding places is essential for a snake's recovery.

The snake should be kept at a temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C), which is ideal for most snake species.

This temperature range helps to reduce stress and promote healing.

It's also important to provide a shallow water dish for the snake to drink from.

A shallow water dish is recommended to prevent drowning.

A diet of live or frozen-thawed prey is usually recommended for a snake recovering from an injury or illness.

Feeding a snake during recovery can be challenging, but it's essential to provide the necessary nutrients for healing.

Some snake species may require a specific diet, so it's best to consult with a veterinarian for advice.

A veterinarian can provide guidance on the best course of action for a snake's recovery.

Regular monitoring of the snake's condition is also crucial for a successful recovery.

Checking the snake's vital signs, such as heart rate and breathing, can help identify any complications early on.

In some cases, a snake may require surgery or other medical interventions to aid in its recovery.

Surgery or medical interventions should only be performed by a qualified veterinarian.

A veterinarian can provide the necessary care and attention to ensure the snake's recovery is successful.

India has over 300 species of snakes, with only 62 being venomous or semi-venomous. The most deadly snakes, responsible for 95 percent of snakebite deaths, are the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper.

A staggering 80 percent of the 78,600 snakebite deaths worldwide in 2019 occurred in India, with 97 percent of those deaths happening in rural areas. This is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for action.

In rural India, only 20-30 percent of snakebite victims seek medical attention, leaving the rest to die untreated. This is a heartbreaking reality that we must address.

The Snakebite Assistant app and similar apps are attempting to raise awareness and combat snakebites, but more needs to be done to reach the masses.

The Sarpa app has been instrumental in reducing snakebite deaths in Kerala.

The app provides vital information to help identify different types of snakes, details of hospitals with available antivenom, and emergency contact numbers.

In Thiruvananthapuram district, the number of snakebite-related deaths was reduced to just three last year.

A total of 372 patients received treatment for snakebites from April to December 2024, while 226 people sought medical care between January and June 2025.

Antivenom is now available in 16 hospitals across Thiruvananthapuram district, thanks to the government's directive.

Most snakebite patients admitted to hospitals were men, according to the Health Department.

The Sarpa app has a trained group of 700 active volunteers who receive 12,000-15,000 calls annually, advising on giving immediate first-aid to the victim and guiding them to the nearest hospital.

The app's 2,400 certified volunteers, including 700 active volunteers, get the maximum calls from Palakkad, Thrissur, Kannur, and Ernakulam districts.

Palakkad experiences humid conditions more compared to other districts, triggering snakes to come out of their pits, and Krait is a typical nocturnal snake found in Palakkad.

Deaths due to Krait bites have also been reported, but the maximum deaths due to snakebites are caused by Cobra.

The Sarpa App has reduced snakebite fatalities in Kerala.

The app provides vital information to help identify different types of snakes and locate hospitals with available antivenom.

In Thiruvananthapuram district, the number of snakebite-related deaths was reduced to just three last year.

Around 3,000 licensed volunteers are working under the Sarpa initiative across the state.

The government provides medical assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for those undergoing treatment due to snakebites.

In case of death, compensation is ₹10 lakh if the incident occurred inside a forest area, and ₹2 lakh if it happened outside.

The app's Nodal Officer, Y. Muhammad Anwar, said that people from various sectors are working as volunteers.

Most snakebite patients admitted to hospitals were men, according to the Health Department.

Between April and December 2024, a total of 372 patients received treatment, while between January and June 2025, 226 people sought medical care.

Antivenom is now available in 16 hospitals across Thiruvananthapuram district.

The number of snakebite-related deaths in Thiruvananthapuram district was significantly reduced thanks to the Sarpa App.

The app has been instrumental in reducing human-wildlife conflict in the state.

A record number of 123 snakebite deaths had happened in the state during 2018-19, but thanks to the Sarpa App, the number of casualties due to snakebites has come down.

The villain behind the maximum snakebite deaths reported from the state is the Cobra.

On average, 1,250 calls are received by SARPA volunteers every month.