Snake rescue and release guidelines issued by Odisha

With snakebites accounting for 40 per cent of Odisha’s disaster deaths, the state government has issued a set of guidelines for rescue and release of the reptiles from areas inhabited by humans.
The forest, environment and climate change department issued letters 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 regard to the new guidelines.
According to the new guidelines, only certified snake handlers can participate in the rescue and release operations and they are required to adhere strictly to the stipulated protocols, failing which will invite penal actions as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The guideline clearly stated that 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.
The snake rescue work should be confined to instances wherein the snakes have entered human dwellings, regardless of whether they are of venomous or non-venomous species, it said.
The state government also said snake handlers are volunteers and will not receive remuneration for their services from the Odisha Forest Department, which may also use their services to create awareness in the local population on the ecological importance of snakes.