Teachers set to become first responders in snake encounters in Kerala's schools
The Forest department is set to launch a pilot programme in Palakkad district, which has consistently recorded some of the highest numbers of snake encounters in the State. The initiative is expected to be expanded to other schools and colleges across Kerala in the subsequent phases.
The initiative is a key component of SARPA (Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App) mission. It also aligns with the State Envenomation Zero Mortality Kerala project, which aims to eliminate deaths from snakebites by 2030.
Ahead of the reopening of schools, forest personnel and SARPA volunteers had conducted safety inspections, during which snakes were spotted at several places. Notably, both venomous species like the Russel's viper (one of India's 'Big Four' venomous snakes), and non-venomous types such as the common wolf snake were found in school buildings and its close proximity.
The idea of training teachers originated during a meeting of the Palakkad district human-wildlife conflict monitoring committee. 'Snakes often thrive in paddy field ecosystems, which are common in Palakkad. While mechanisation of farming has reduced some habitats, the reptile presence remains significant in the region,' an official pointed out.
The programme assumes immense relevance against the backdrop of the tragic death of Shahla Sherin, a 10-year-old student in Wayanad in 2019, who died after a snakebite in her classroom. Besides, numerous snakebite cases have been reported in various places, including a recent one that occurred recently at Chenkal near Neyyattinkara.
According to T. Mohammed Anwar, State Nodal Officer of SARPA, the training aims to prevent such tragedies through a two-pronged strategy- preventing snakebites and managing them effectively when such incidents occur.
For the pilot phase, 64 educators, mostly certified snake handlers, have been identified to lead training sessions for schoolteachers. These sessions will cover not only rescue operations and species identification, but also provide information on the nearest health centres equipped with anti-venom.
'These trained teachers will serve as first responders in their schools. They are also expected to impart awareness on students, who often come dangerously close to snakes without realising the risk. The programme also aims to foster a culture of healthy coexistence with reptiles and dispel long-held fears and myths about snakes,' Mr. Anwar added.
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The Hindu
03-08-2025
- The Hindu
Teachers set to become first responders in snake encounters in Kerala's schools
As snake sightings surge on school campuses, teachers in Kerala are set to receive specialised training in snake rescue and handling. The Forest department is set to launch a pilot programme in Palakkad district, which has consistently recorded some of the highest numbers of snake encounters in the State. The initiative is expected to be expanded to other schools and colleges across Kerala in the subsequent phases. The initiative is a key component of SARPA (Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App) mission. It also aligns with the State Envenomation Zero Mortality Kerala project, which aims to eliminate deaths from snakebites by 2030. Ahead of the reopening of schools, forest personnel and SARPA volunteers had conducted safety inspections, during which snakes were spotted at several places. Notably, both venomous species like the Russel's viper (one of India's 'Big Four' venomous snakes), and non-venomous types such as the common wolf snake were found in school buildings and its close proximity. The idea of training teachers originated during a meeting of the Palakkad district human-wildlife conflict monitoring committee. 'Snakes often thrive in paddy field ecosystems, which are common in Palakkad. While mechanisation of farming has reduced some habitats, the reptile presence remains significant in the region,' an official pointed out. The programme assumes immense relevance against the backdrop of the tragic death of Shahla Sherin, a 10-year-old student in Wayanad in 2019, who died after a snakebite in her classroom. Besides, numerous snakebite cases have been reported in various places, including a recent one that occurred recently at Chenkal near Neyyattinkara. According to T. Mohammed Anwar, State Nodal Officer of SARPA, the training aims to prevent such tragedies through a two-pronged strategy- preventing snakebites and managing them effectively when such incidents occur. For the pilot phase, 64 educators, mostly certified snake handlers, have been identified to lead training sessions for schoolteachers. These sessions will cover not only rescue operations and species identification, but also provide information on the nearest health centres equipped with anti-venom. 'These trained teachers will serve as first responders in their schools. They are also expected to impart awareness on students, who often come dangerously close to snakes without realising the risk. The programme also aims to foster a culture of healthy coexistence with reptiles and dispel long-held fears and myths about snakes,' Mr. Anwar added.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Time of India
Assam hosts first snake symposium, flags off app to fight snakebites, boost conservation
1 2 Guwahati: Assam on Thursday took a significant step towards addressing critical issues of snakebite mitigation and snake conservation by hosting its first-ever snake symposium in Guwahati. Organised by the Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB), in collaboration with the forest department and other key stakeholders, the event saw the participation of over 130 individuals, including more than 80 trained snake rescuers from across the state, alongside leading national and international herpetology experts. A major highlight of the symposium was the launch of the SARPA app — a technology-driven platform specifically designed to streamline snake rescue operations and monitor snake-human conflict, a particularly pressing issue during the flood season when such encounters escalate. The app empowers citizens to quickly connect with certified snake rescuers, when a snake enters their home. Furthermore, each rescue operation is meticulously logged, creating a valuable data repository that aids experts in tracking snake distribution patterns across Assam. Forest minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, who attended the symposium, reiterated the govt's firm commitment to reducing snakebite mortality and enhancing research capabilities to tackle this urgent public health and conservation challenge. The event also marked the formal launch of the state level steering committee on snakebite mitigation, a crucial body for coordinating efforts. Additionally, a proposal was put forward to establish a state-of-the-art serpentarium in Assam. Gnaneswar Ch, project lead at the Madras crocodile bank trust/centre for herpetology, explained that such a serpentarium would focus on advanced research into snake venom and address region-specific treatment challenges. The symposium further witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ASBB and Help Earth, aimed at promoting snakebite awareness and building capacity at the grassroots level through biodiversity management committees. The event included comprehensive technical sessions covering diverse topics such as snake taxonomy, venom research, ethical rescue practices, and community challenges related to snake encounters.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Ernakulam leads way as state reported 494 king cobra rescues over five years
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a growing sign of increased human-snake interaction, the state has recorded 494 king cobra rescues from human-inhabited areas over the past five years. They had either strayed into homes, plantations or backyards and were rescued without harm and released back into forests. According to district-wise records from the forest department, Ernakulam reported the most rescues at 70, followed by Wayanad (68) and Kannur (61). At the bottom of the list are Alappuzha (2), Thiruvananthapuram (11) and Malappuram (17). While 148 incidents were reported in 2024, the number stood at 63 till March of this year. Experts note that while the king cobra (Ophiophagus kaalinga) is highly venomous, it is not naturally aggressive and avoids confrontation unless provoked. The surge in sightings is linked to prey movement, climate change, mating season, and improved public reporting. 'The rise in rescues doesn't necessarily mean there are more king cobras. The same snake could have been rescued multiple times,' said Sandeep Das, research associate at the department of zoology, University of Calicut. Forest officials say the department carries out timely rescue operations in coordination with trained snake handlers and herpetologists. Awareness campaigns, help lines and response teams have played a major role in managing such encounters. Assistant conservator of forests Mohammed Anvar said most sightings happen during the mating season which is typically between January and April. 'They travel up to 10km in search of mates, often following pheromone trails. Another reason is their movement in search of food. They feed mostly on other snakes, which is why they are called Ophiophagus,' he said. Sandeep added that although Wayanad has a large forest cover, most king cobras stay within it. The rescue numbers reflect incidents in human settlements, likely due to urban expansion and better reporting. However, challenges remain. 'Rescuers often face delays in getting proper kits, even after completing training. The Sarpa app has improved identification and reporting. King cobras are intelligent and not aggressive unless threatened. People should keep their distance and alert experts when spotted,' Anvar added. There have been only three recorded fatalities from king cobra bites in the country, including one in Kerala when A Harshad, an animal keeper at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, died in 2021.
