ODISHA GOVERNMENT ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR RESCUE AND RELEASE OF SNAKES

Bhubaneswar(10/08/2023): The Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department has issued guidelines for the rescue and release of snakes from human-dominated areas by snake handlers. Letters have been issued to the Additional Special Relief Commissioner, PCCF of the Forest Department, PCCF of Wildlife Division, the Managing Director of OSDMA, all the RCCFs, Collectors and DFOs in this regard. The guidelines stated that exclusive authorization has been granted to certified snake handlers for executing all snake rescue and release operations within the state. These handlers are obligated to adhere strictly to the stipulated protocols while failure to do so will result in legal consequences in accordance with the Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972. The intervention to save snakes will only be undertaken in situations where their presence poses a risk to human life, such as when they are found indoors or in close proximity to human habitation.

Snake rescue work must be confined to instances wherein the snakes have entered human dwellings, regardless of whether they are venomous or non venomous species .