Kolkata: Two alarming snakebite incidents on the school campuses within a week have triggered concern among other schools too.Schools operating out of heritage or ageing structures have been taking measures and planning to sensitise students, particularly those in junior classes, on safety.The scare began last week when a class 3 student was bitten at a private school off the EM Bypass. Though the snake was later confirmed to be non-venomous, it raised immediate red flags. The anxiety intensified on Monday after a class 1 student at Bhawanipur Mitra Institution was also bitten by a venomous Russell’s Viper (Chandrabora) in the ground floor corridor. The student is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after receiving 30 anti-venom injections.Following Monday’s incident, Jadavpur Vidyapith issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The advisory has warned parents and students, advising them to avoid isolated corners, thick bushes, and dark corridors. Partha Pratim Baidya, headmaster of Jadavpur Vidyapith, said, “We instructed students not to roam in the fields barefoot and to inspect classroom benches before sitting. If they spot a snake, they must remain calm and report it immediately to the teachers, instead of agitating the reptile.”The school has ordered its non-teaching staff to clear out abandoned furniture and secure all dustbins to eliminate rat infestations, which are a primary food source drawing snakes into urban spaces.Amit Sen Majumder from Jodhpur Park Boys’ School acknowledged that a severe staff shortage has complicated daily vigils, but emphasized that daily inspections were being carried out to secure the premises. Meanwhile, Bibhas Sanyal, headmaster of the nearly 200-year-old Scottish Church Collegiate School, termed these incidents an “eye-opener.”We must ensure our emergency arrangements are fully ready,” he added.Prominent private schools housed in older structures have similarly tightened security. Father Roshan Tirkey, principal of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School said, “We have instructed class teachers and junior school staff to be more watchful and responsible, not just regarding snakes, but any potential hazard, and to report it immediately.” Supriyo Dhar, secretary of La Martiniere for Boys and Girls, stated that dedicated cleaning teams are using specialized chemical sprays to keep both campuses snake-free.Wildlife experts are urging rational action rather than panic. Herpetologist Anirban Chaudhuri, who works closely with the forest department, said, “Chances of encountering venomous snakes deep within the cityscapes is minimal compared to outskirts and semi-urban areas. Teachers and staff along with students should also be sensitised on how to handle snakebite situations by holding awareness discussions with field experts and forest department.”
