In a recent development in Wakad village of Yavatmal district in Maharashtra, villagers have voiced their demand for compensation akin to that provided to victims of wildlife attacks for those affected by snakebites. This demand stems from a resolution passed during a gram sabha session, highlighting concerns over the current compensation structure. Residents argue that while the state’s forest department compensates ₹25 lakh to the families of individuals killed by wild animals like tigers and elephants, snakebite victims receive only ₹2 lakh from the agriculture department under the Gopinath Munde Accident Insurance Policy.

The resolution was motivated by a statement from the state forest minister, who clarified that snakebite incidents are not covered under wildlife compensation but fall under the purview of the agriculture department. Villagers contend that since the forest department takes action in response to snake encounters, such as capture or removal, compensation should also be provided for human victims of snakebites. The issue hits close to home as most incidents occur among farmers and farmhands working in the fields, often during activities like pesticide spraying or weed clearing.

The lack of adequate medical facilities in rural areas exacerbates the problem, with many victims succumbing to snakebites due to delayed or inadequate treatment. Villagers argue that their gram sabha resolutions reflect grassroots sentiments and hope to rally other communities in similar demands for fair compensation policies regarding snakebite incidents.