About 50,000 people lose their lives every year due to snakebite in the country, the highest in the world, BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy said on Monday, July 29. Every year, 30-40 lakh people are bitten by snakes across India, the Saran MP said, raising the issue in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on matters of importance.
"Bihar is the poorest state, enduring both poverty and natural calamities. Across India, 30 to 40 lakh people are bitten by snakes and 50,000 people die, which is the highest in the world," Rudy said, emphasising the alarming mortality rate from snakebite.
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He stressed that many deaths could be prevented, pointing to the climate change impact on snakebite incidents that increased at temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius. Vellore MP M Kathir Anand voiced his concern on the plight of beedi workers, most of whom were women.
He demanded an increase in their wages, citing inadequate central funding. Anand urged the Centre to consider budget allocations and provide pensions for those older than 60, noting the workers' significant exposure to dust and other occupational hazards.