Snake Cell

On numerous occasions, in my childhood days, I have seen people requesting my father to kill snakes, wherever snakes appeared in human inhabited areas.  Incidentally, my father has been known for killing snakes; just like I rescue snakes snake-cellvehicleoutdoorimg_9152.jpg and save them. Later, I was lucky to have met Dr Indraneil Das, who was working at Madras Crocodile Bank, Chennai, and I learnt about snakes from him.

After having learnt about snakes, I thought of taking up an unusual mission `SAVING INNOCENT SNAKES, IGNORANT PEOPLE’. Thus the Snake Cell came into being, which I have funded by scrounging money from my own small pocket, for 11 years now. Though, it has been supported by some loyal friends on many occasions; one of the best examples is Ms Mary Barber, 80 years old now, who did nine package tours with me, to support the Snake Cell, with the profits made for these tours.  Also, she brought lots of equipment for the Snake Cell, whenever requested. Her efforts and support to the Snake Cell, deserve a standing ovation.

The Snake Cell – a self -funded nature conservation project, is so unique a feature of this tri-city, it has added a new chapter in the natural history scenario of the region. The Snake Cell is a leading example of selfless service, devotion and passion. Snake Cell was commissioned on the World Environment Day 1998, at Chandigarh to disseminate vital information on the subject `Snakes and Snakebite’ and about the role of snakes in maintaining ecological balance, to dispel the myths, fear and hatred which people have for these useful animals. Also, educating people about the prevention of snakebite, emergencies arising from snakebite and the management of snakebite victim and first-aid that is very vital for the treatment. In 1999, Dr Rajbir Kaur, joined the Snake Cell to extend her support as a volunteer for educational programmes in schools and colleges. Her contribution to the Snake Cell, needs a special mention here. Later, in April, 2000, we got married. Now, we both live for the Snake Cell.

Snake Cell has continued its self-less service for ten years now, in spite of the discouraging events, such as Capt Suresh was attacked by some miscreants at night (no Police action was taken) and attempted to snatch the Snake Cell’s vehicle, twice very senior wildlife officers antagonised Capt Suresh, when he could not `obey orders’ to rush to do snake rescue, on grounds of illness. A few times, selfish and rude journalists wrote against the Snake Cell, when could not help in a snake rescue for their relatives. As if Suresh is just a robot and has no life of his own or he is on the pay-roll of these heartless people. On many such occasions, Capt Sharma thought of suspending snake rescue operations and work only on educating people about snakes. But he has overlooked these `heart burns’ to continue to do snake rescue and disseminate information about snakes and snakebite to common man. Captain says,” It is hard to hold back, when people make SOS call to seek Snake Cell’s help to rescue snakes from their houses”.

People seek help from the Snake Cell to remove snakes from their premises. So far, we have caught about 1500 snakes from houses; often Common Krait (the deadliest Indian snake) which is 15 times more poisonous than a cobra. About 2500 houses were visited to attend calls to rescue snakes till this season.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SNAKE CELL :

  • I can take pride in saying that before the advent of the Snake Cell, there used to be fictitious and spicy stories about snakes, all concocted and doing rounds in the papers and magazines in this region. Now, I am happy to see that in the beginning of every summer, most of the leading newspapers do one or more stories about snakes to educate people, based on facts and not cock & bull stories. Now,  Snake Cell is referred by the press, before such articles are published. I am very happy that we have been able to bring truth forward about this subject which is loaded with myths. The effort of the press to disseminate information about snakes and snakebite is appreciable, especially of Hindustan Times.
  • Now, no one likes to kill snakes in these tri-cities. On seeing a snake, first reaction is to contact the Snake Cell. People talk about snake to be rescued now. I am glad that we have been able bring a change in the attitude towards snakes.

With these efforts, we have been able to add a new chapter in the natural history of this region.

Know more about the Snake Cell and learn to save life !