Puri, August 25: The sighting of a large number of venomous sea snakes in several estuary areas of Puri district has raised concerns over the safety of fishermen, coastal residents and tourists.

The snakes have reportedly been spotted in the estuaries of the Bhargavi and Mangala rivers, besides the Nuanaí and Ramachandi estuaries. According to environmentalist and Save Coastal Life chief Saroj Kumar Jena, the snakes are being carried towards the shore by tidal currents and often become stranded on the sand.

In a representation submitted to the Puri Fisheries Officer (Marine), Jena urged the authorities to take immediate steps to create awareness among fishermen and coastal communities about the presence of sea snakes and ways to avoid encounters with them.

According to Jena, the snakes can also become entangled in fishing nets while fishermen are casting or retrieving nets or fishing near estuary areas. This can bring the snakes into close proximity with fishermen and increase the risk of accidental bites.

He stressed that fishermen operating at sea should be provided with clear information on what to do in the event of a snakebite and where to seek emergency medical treatment. With Puri's beaches witnessing a large influx of tourists, he also called for measures to ensure the safety of visitors and coastal residents.

Jena has urged the Fisheries Department to install warning and awareness signboards at vulnerable estuary and coastal locations. He also proposed organising a special training programme with an experienced snake expert for local fishermen.

The proposed training would focus on identifying sea snakes, maintaining a safe distance from them, handling situations involving snakes caught in fishing nets, and understanding the appropriate first-aid and emergency response measures following a bite.

Jena appealed to the authorities to treat the issue as a matter of urgency and initiate preventive measures to protect fishermen, coastal communities and tourists.