Central Graveyard in Sector H-8 is posing a serious threat to visitors due to presence of poisonous snakes.
The rise in the population of snakes in the federal capital is not only restricted to areas where vegetation is heavy but a significant increase has been witnessed in residential localities, putting the general public at risk.
With the arrival of monsoon, different insects especially snakes have moved out of their underground nesting holes. The famous Margalla Hills are home to various wild species of animals including wild boars, tigers and snakes. Due to heavy rains snakes could be seen crawling in clusters, mostly in deserted areas of the capital. Some of these species have been reported to be highly venomous. The presence of these poisonous snakes has put the life of the locals at risk.
It has been learnt that the incidents of snake bites are on the rise and hospitals are not properly equipped to handle such cases due to lack of anti-venom vaccines. Major areas to have been hit are Bara Kahu, Humak, Sector E-11, Sector E-7, Sector F-7, Sector F-6, Sector F-8, Sector H-8, Sector H-9 and Sector I-8.
Habib Masih (28), resident of Sector I-8 said that it is not unusual to find wild boars and snakes on the roads during monsoon season. He said, “Every week around 2-3 snakes are seen crawling in the graveyard and have to be killed because of the heavy number of visitors, 500 to 1000 people, visiting everyday. He added that in case of funerals the number of visitors multiplies.
Masih said, “Snakes breed during monsoon season, multiplying the numbers manifold and come out of hiding in hunt of prey, often striking big animals, birds and sometimes even humans.” He urged the government to introduce immediate measures prior to any major losses and to control the ever increasing snake population or shift them away from the city, in order to protect lives of the masses.
Snake bite incidents have also been reported in various areas of Margalla Hills, Daman e Koh and Monal which are prime recreational tourist spots.
