Forest department holds seminar to prevent snake bite cases

Mumbai: In order to curb the increasing number of snake bite cases during stunt performances and unfair practice, the Thane Forest Department for the first time conducted a seminar for the snake rescuers to brief them about the ethics of rescuing a snake and precaution to be taken. The department aims to conduct series of such seminars not only in the city but also on its outskirts. The seminar was attended by around 100 rescuers from all over the city.

The city has witnessed around thirty-six snakebite deaths in the last seven years, and the main reason identified for such deaths was due to over confidence and incorrect approach towards the reptile. The rescuers were explained about ways to rescue snakes using instruments instead of handling them with bare hands. Rescuers were advised to not only rescue the reptile safely but also release it into its natural habitat after the rescue.

The rescuers also listed the issues faced by them due to “unsatisfactory” help provided by the department. The snake rescuers claimed that getting a fitness certificate of the reptile was another reason for the delayed release of the reptiles. The department announced fitness certificate was mandatory only for injured snakes, while the others could be released with intimation to the respective Range Forest Officer of the area. The department also decided to come up with a common platform for all city rescuers on Whatsapp.