3 min readBhubaneswarAug 10, 2023 11:54 AM IST
First published on: Aug 10, 2023 at 11:54 AM IST
As the Odisha government comes out with guidelines for rescue and release of snakes from the human habitations, only certified snake handlers can now carry out the operation.
Any deviation from the guidelines will invite penal actions as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, said a notification issued by the state forest department.
Rescue of snakes must be limited to the snakes entering the human habitation irrespective of whether venomous or non-venomous and rescue of snakes shall be attempted only in such cases where their presence is a threat to life, said the guideline.
Issuance of the set guidelines assume significance as incidents of snakebites are common in Odisha, which has also been certified as a state disaster. As many as 40% of total disaster deaths are attributed to snakebites alone in Odisha. Official data said in the last seven years, Odisha has had approximately 6351 incidents of snakebites.
Some of the common snakes found in Odisha include cobra (naga), monocled cobra, spectacled cobra, common Indian Krait (chiti), banded krait (rana), Russell’s viper (chandan boda), pond snake and rat snake.
Snakebites from venomous snakes cause fatalities, presence of snakes create panic among people. When snakes are captured after a snakebite is reported, the panic among people may lead to its killing.
An official of the state forest department said lack of human resources in effective redressal and limits in accessing these areas where such incidents are reported, make it necessary to take the assistance of snake catchers in the rescue operations.
The officer said though most of the snake catchers are skilled and are known to act in a responsible manner by understanding the ecology and behaviour of the snakes, some of their actions have come under scrutiny.
“There are allegations of unscientific approaches like not taking protective measures, doing stunts and displaying snakes in public that leads to unwanted stress to the animal and risks their own lives and that of the people around them, which is why the department has issued the guidelines,” said the officer.
The idea that led to issuance of the guidelines is to create a pool of trained and certified snake handlers throughout the state to bring more accountability, responsibility and professionalism in the handling of snakes. It will also ensure that rescue and release of snakes is carried out in a safe and scientific manner, taking into account their behavioural patterns and ecological needs as well as the wellbeing of human beings.
The forest department also plans to create a database of all incidents of rescue and release of snakes in the state and to maintain and update it. It will ensure that no illegalities or malpractices may occur with rescued snakes.
The interested candidates, who will be shortlisted for certification, will undergo a two-day training by experts. The snake handlers will be given certification, valid for five years, as per the Section 11 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The certified snake handlers will be provided protection under group insurance coverage by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority.
Snakebites from venomous snakes cause fatalities, presence of snakes create panic among people. 
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