Photo: Messenger
A menacing presence of the highly venomous Russell's Viper, locally known as Chandrabora, has emerged in the char areas of Harirampur, Manikganj, instilling fear among thousands of farmers and residents. The snake's appearance in crop fields and grasslands along the Padma River banks has led to fatalities and injuries due to bites.
The char areas, home to over 50,000 people across three unions – Azimnagar, Lechhraganj, and Sutalri – have become a hotspot for the snake, which is protected under the Wildlife (Preservation and Protection) Act-2012. The region's primary occupation is agriculture, with crops like maize, groundnut, sesame, and paddy being cultivated. However, the snake's venom, containing hemotoxin, has caused deaths and severe injuries, leading to a state of alarm among the locals.
Crops such as maize, groundnut, sesame, and varieties of paddy like Aman and Aush are grown on hundreds of bighas in the Char area. However, the recent invasion of Russell's vipers into the crop fields has put countless farmers in a precarious position.
Nazrul Islam, a resident of the Salimpur pasture area, recounted an incident where a farmer was harvesting sesame in the Kanchanpur area and discovered a Russell's viper among the harvested stalks. This sighting prompted the workers to abandon the field immediately. Similarly, Saidul Molla of Shikarpur shared that a laborer encountered a Russell's viper while lifting paddy bales, leading to the snake being killed by the other workers present.
Moazzem Hossain, Chairman of Lechhraganj Union Parishad, reported a fatal snake bite incident from last March. Additionally, two youths from the Basantpur and Enayetpur areas in a neighboring union were also bitten by Russell's vipers. Billal Hossain, Chairman of Azimnagar Union, highlighted that the highest infestation of Russell's vipers has been observed in Azimnagar. He noted, "During the current Erie Boro season, the movement of Russell's vipers has increased. Two people have died from bites in my union. The concern is particularly high during this paddy harvesting season."
Zohra Mila, a local expert, explained that the venom of the Russell's viper is a hemotoxin, which causes severe tissue damage and can be fatal. She stressed that awareness is the most effective way to prevent snake bites. Notably, the Russell's viper is protected under the Wildlife (Preservation and Protection) Act of 2012.
Harirampur Upazila Agriculture Officer Touhiduzzaman Khan confirmed the high incidence of Russell's viper bites in the grazing areas of the three unions, reiterating that five fatalities have occurred in the last three months. Harirampur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shahriar Rahman acknowledged the extreme fear among farmers and local residents due to the increased presence of the venomous snakes along the Padma River's banks. "We have initiated awareness campaigns through miking and publicity efforts by local public representatives," he said.
"Additionally, special shoes (gumboots) will be distributed to farmers in the char areas by the Upazila Parishad."
This ongoing threat underscores the urgent need for effective measures to protect the farming communities and ensure their safety as they continue their essential agricultural activities in these vulnerable regions.
Messenger/Fameema
