National Snakebite Initiative
A Herpetology & Envenoming Research Programme
A Herpetology & Envenoming Research Programme
For decades, snakebite has remained one of the most overlooked public health challenges affecting rural India. Farmers, agricultural workers, plantation Labourers, tribal communities, and rural families live and work in close proximity to nature, where encounters with snakes are an unavoidable part of daily life. For many, a single snakebite can have devastating consequences—claiming lives, disrupting livelihoods, and placing immense social and economic burdens on already vulnerable communities.
Recognising this reality, Green Cross India began dedicated rural snakebite awareness and community outreach campaigns in 2008, working directly with farming communities, schools, villages, and vulnerable populations to promote prevention, awareness, and safe coexistence.
These grassroots efforts demonstrated that education and community participation could significantly improve public awareness and reduce snakebite risks. The innovative approach and community impact of these programmes received international recognition when they were honoured with the UN-Habitat Recognition Award in 2013.
Inspired by this recognition and the growing need for a coordinated national movement, the rural snakebite campaigns evolved into the National Snakebite Initiative (NSI)—a dedicated public welfare programme of Green Cross India committed to addressing the farmer tragedy and alleviating the rural envenomation crisis through awareness, education, prevention, research, capacity building, and community participation.
Today, the National Snakebite Initiative continues to build upon this foundation, working towards safer rural communities where knowledge replaces fear, timely medical care saves lives, and people and snakes coexist responsibly
Most organizations contribute to only one part of the snakebite challenge. Healthcare professionals treat patients. Researchers conduct studies. Journalists report major incidents. Policymakers develop strategies. Conservationists protect wildlife.
The National Snakebite Initiative brings these efforts together through a continuous, community-centred approach that begins in the field and extends beyond the emergency.
Our work does not end with a rescue, a hospital admission, or a research publication. We remain engaged across the entire cycle of prevention, response, recovery, conservation, education, and community empowerment
Responding to human–snake conflict situations with ethical rescue practices that protect both people and wildlife. Every rescue prioritises public safety while ensuring rescued snakes are handled responsibly and relocated in accordance with applicable Forest Department guidelines.
Every rescue is transformed into an opportunity for education. Immediate awareness sessions are conducted for families, neighbours, schools, and surrounding communities to explain snake behaviour, prevention measures, emergency response, and responsible coexistence.
Every rescue is transformed into an opportunity for education. Immediate awareness sessions are conducted for families, neighbours, schools, and surrounding communities to explain snake behaviour, prevention measures, emergency response, and responsible coexistence.
Delivering scientifically accurate awareness programmes for rural communities, farmers, schools, colleges, institutions, and the general public to replace myths with practical knowledge that helps prevent snakebite incidents.
Working in accordance with Forest Department guidelines, rescued snakes are relocated responsibly into appropriate nearby habitats where they can continue to survive naturally without creating additional ecological conflicts.
Delivering recurring awareness programmes in schools and educational institutions so that every new generation develops accurate knowledge about snake safety and snakebite prevention.
Supporting rural schools by promoting Snake Safe School concepts and encouraging preparedness through awareness, education, and appropriate emergency response planning.
Documenting historical snakebite incidents, local experiences, traditional practices, cultural beliefs, and community knowledge while distinguishing useful observations from misconceptions through scientific understanding.
Working closely with rural communities to understand patterns of snakebite occurrence, environmental factors, seasonal trends, and local challenges that can strengthen future prevention strategies.
Standing alongside snakebite victims and vulnerable families by promoting awareness of timely medical care, supporting access to appropriate treatment pathways, and understanding the wider social and economic consequences that follow a snakebite incident.
Generating field-based observations and community evidence that contribute to researchers, public health professionals, policymakers, and organisations working to strengthen snakebite prevention and rural health systems.
Developing practical solutions, educational resources, and field-based safety equipment informed by decades of direct community engagement and real-world experience.
Building the capacity of Forest Departments, Fire & Rescue Services, local institutions, volunteers, and community leaders through scientific awareness, practical training, and responsible field practices.