Sighting of snakes is common in New Town, especially in the summer and during the monsoon, but the recent death of a man from a snake bite has triggered panic among residents.
Many housing complexes and cooperative societies have started spraying carbolic acid on their premises to keep snakes at bay. They have also kept handy contact details of NGOs and individuals who rescue snakes.
Last Sunday, a 23-year-old man died after being bitten by a snake near Downtown Mall, close to Rosedale Housing Complex in New Town’s Action Area III, while he was walking with a friend.
An advisory issued by the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) on Thursday says all three urban primary healthcare centres in the township — near Akankha More in Action Area III, near New Town Business Club in Action Area I, and near the fairground opposite Novotel Hotel — have been stocked with anti-venom vials and other drugs needed to treat snake-bite patients, and saline bottles.
These centres remain open from 11am to 3pm.
A senior NKDA official said they have requested the chief medical officer of health of North 24-Parganas to keep at least one centre open round-the-clock.
The NKDA has also opened a helpline — 9932864112 — for snake-related emergencies.
The advisory contains the numbers of two forest department officials who can be contacted during an emergency. The numbers are 8967871477 and 8670694711.
At Hiland Willows, the residents’ welfare association has stocked up around 100 litres of carbolic acid and directed their housekeeping staff to spray it on their campus and the surrounding areas.
Samaresh Das of the New Town Forum and News, a residents’ body, said they, too, have prepared a database of NGOs and those adept at handling snakes.
Arunangshu Chakraborty, a doctor who stays in New Town’s Elita Garden Vista, opposite Sukhobrishti Housing Complex in Action Area III, said the complex has procured 20 anti-snake venom vials.
A senior forest department official said New Town has always had Russell’s Viper, Common Krait and Rat Snakes. Snakes are often spotted in the township, which has long stretches of grasslands and a number of water bodies.