No equipment, no raise: BBMP's wildlife rescuers risk lives for ₹18,000 a month
Out of the 11 wildlife rescuers recognised by the BBMP in 2008, seven are still with the civic body, while four have since withdrawn. Initially, they received an honorarium of ₹5,000, which was revised twice, once in 2012 to ₹12,000, and again in 2018 to ₹18,000.
Multiple sources told The Hindu that although there is an official proposal for increasing the honorarium, it has been stalled at the administrative level, pending necessary approvals.
A senior BBMP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the proposal has not been considered and is not a current priority, reasoning that wildlife rescue is not regular work. In contrast, both the rescuers and several forest wing officials argue that the rescuers work round the clock, addressing human-wildlife conflict in urban areas.
According to BBMP data reviewed by The Hindu, the rescuers attended to 325 complaints between April and June alone, which included rescues of 297 snakes, 23 birds, and 17 monkeys. Notably, no injuries were reported during these operations.
Although this is official data, rescuers often under-report their work due to the cumbersome documentation process. 'We have to take GPS-tagged photos of the capture and release and record the date, time, and location before submitting the report to the zonal forest officer. All of this has to be done manually and involves considerable paperwork,' a rescuer told The Hindu.
Moreover, such a system didn't exist in earlier years, which meant the BBMP lacks historical data on wildlife captures. Rescuers often attend an overwhelming number of calls during the monsoon season, particularly for snakes during their breeding season, leaving little time for data entry.
'It's a high-risk job, and we haven't been given any equipment. We handle five to six calls daily, regardless of the time. Most of our honorarium goes toward fuel expenses,' one rescuer said, adding that he also delivers newspapers and milk to make ends meet.
Beyond rescues, these seven individuals also ensure that wildlife does not interfere with political events, which occur frequently.
One rescuer noted that he has seen 28 species of snakes in Bengaluru, including four that are highly venomous: Russell's viper, saw-scaled viper, common cobra, and common krait. He emphasised that the BBMP has not provided any equipment to deal with these dangerous species.
Another rescuer recalled how a colleague, Manjunath, was bitten by a snake two years ago and spent several days in the ICU, highlighting the dangers they face regularly.
Joseph Hoover, a wildlife activist, voiced support for the rescuers and urged the BBMP to consider increasing the honorarium. He pointed out that private rescuers often charge between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000 a rescue, while the BBMP rescuers carry out these operations free of cost.
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The Hindu
13 hours ago
- The Hindu
No equipment, no raise: BBMP's wildlife rescuers risk lives for ₹18,000 a month
Seven years have passed since the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) last revised the honorarium for wildlife rescuers empanelled with its forest wing. Despite rescuers submitting requests every year, the civic body has no plans to increase the amount. Out of the 11 wildlife rescuers recognised by the BBMP in 2008, seven are still with the civic body, while four have since withdrawn. Initially, they received an honorarium of ₹5,000, which was revised twice, once in 2012 to ₹12,000, and again in 2018 to ₹18,000. Multiple sources told The Hindu that although there is an official proposal for increasing the honorarium, it has been stalled at the administrative level, pending necessary approvals. A senior BBMP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the proposal has not been considered and is not a current priority, reasoning that wildlife rescue is not regular work. In contrast, both the rescuers and several forest wing officials argue that the rescuers work round the clock, addressing human-wildlife conflict in urban areas. According to BBMP data reviewed by The Hindu, the rescuers attended to 325 complaints between April and June alone, which included rescues of 297 snakes, 23 birds, and 17 monkeys. Notably, no injuries were reported during these operations. Although this is official data, rescuers often under-report their work due to the cumbersome documentation process. 'We have to take GPS-tagged photos of the capture and release and record the date, time, and location before submitting the report to the zonal forest officer. All of this has to be done manually and involves considerable paperwork,' a rescuer told The Hindu. Moreover, such a system didn't exist in earlier years, which meant the BBMP lacks historical data on wildlife captures. Rescuers often attend an overwhelming number of calls during the monsoon season, particularly for snakes during their breeding season, leaving little time for data entry. 'It's a high-risk job, and we haven't been given any equipment. We handle five to six calls daily, regardless of the time. Most of our honorarium goes toward fuel expenses,' one rescuer said, adding that he also delivers newspapers and milk to make ends meet. Beyond rescues, these seven individuals also ensure that wildlife does not interfere with political events, which occur frequently. One rescuer noted that he has seen 28 species of snakes in Bengaluru, including four that are highly venomous: Russell's viper, saw-scaled viper, common cobra, and common krait. He emphasised that the BBMP has not provided any equipment to deal with these dangerous species. Another rescuer recalled how a colleague, Manjunath, was bitten by a snake two years ago and spent several days in the ICU, highlighting the dangers they face regularly. Joseph Hoover, a wildlife activist, voiced support for the rescuers and urged the BBMP to consider increasing the honorarium. He pointed out that private rescuers often charge between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000 a rescue, while the BBMP rescuers carry out these operations free of cost.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
NEVER ignore this sound! Russell's Viper's ‘Whistle of Death' is India's silent killer—and it leaves no second chance
From the lush rice fields of Assam to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan and the suburbs of Bengaluru, a chilling sound is sending waves of fear across India. It's not the noise of machinery but a deadly biological signal. The hiss of the Russell's Viper, one of India's most venomous snakes, has earned the eerie nickname 'Whistle of Death' for its uncanny similarity to a pressure cooker whistle. Far from a harmless sound, this hiss is a life-threatening warning, often heard moments before a fatal strike. With thousands of snakebite deaths reported annually in India, the rising encounters with this stealthy predator are sparking concern among rural communities and health workers alike. What is the " Whistle of Death "? A hissing sound that signals danger The Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) produces a distinct hissing noise when it feels threatened, often described as sounding like a pressure cooker releasing steam. For locals in affected areas, this noise is no longer a curious phenomenon—it's a life-or-death alert. Unlike a traditional snake hiss, the viper's sound is loud, sharp, and sudden. In quiet rural areas, especially during monsoon season when ambient noise drops, this hiss cuts through the silence like an alarm bell. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible B.S. in AI & Data Science BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo Locals have quickly learned that hearing it means only one thing—get away immediately. Russell's Viper: One of India's 'big four' deadliest snakes This species is not rare; it is widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia. It belongs to the feared 'Big Four' snakes in India—the group responsible for the majority of fatal snakebites. The others include the Indian Cobra, Common Krait, and Saw-scaled Viper. Russell's Viper thrives in environments close to human habitation—farmlands, grasslands, and even suburban fringes—mainly because its primary prey is rodents, which flourish near people. How deadly is Russell's Viper venom The snake's venom is hemotoxic, meaning it attacks the blood and surrounding tissues. Victims can suffer from: Severe internal bleeding Hemorrhage and blood clotting Acute kidney failure Muscle breakdown Organ damage Just 40 mg of venom is enough to kill an adult human—and a single bite from an adult viper can deliver over three times that amount. Tragic real-life encounters highlight the threat The deadly impact of the Russell's Viper isn't just theoretical—it's being felt on the ground. In Sonitpur district of Assam, a 13-year-old boy tragically died after being bitten. He heard the hiss and instinctively ran, not realizing that physical exertion accelerates the spread of venom through the bloodstream. Similar incidents are being reported from Karnataka and Rajasthan, with hospitals noting a rise in snakebite cases—many attributed to the Russell's Viper, especially during the monsoon when snakes emerge from flooded burrows. Monsoon season increases Russell's Viper activity The monsoon rains drive snakes out of their hiding places and into open areas or human settlements. Waterlogged fields, homes, and barns become unexpected resting spots for vipers. The combination of flooded terrain, poor visibility, and barefoot villagers increases the risk of accidental encounters. According to herpetologists, Russell's Viper doesn't actively chase humans. However, it is extremely defensive and quick to react when it feels threatened. Before striking, it: Coils into an S-shape Raises its head and upper body Emits a loud, whistling hiss This is its last warning before it attacks—its version of a biological siren urging potential threats to back off. Viral videos spread awareness of the 'Whistle of Death' Wildlife expert Adil Khan, who documents snake encounters, recently posted a video of a Russell's Viper hissing loudly in a quiet village. The post went viral on Instagram, bringing national attention to how terrifying and intense the sound can be, especially for those living in vulnerable, rural areas. What to do if you hear the Viper's hiss Experts strongly advise the following: Do not investigate the source of the hiss Back away calmly and swiftly Do not try to capture or kill the snake Alert local authorities or forest department personnel if sighted If bitten: Avoid running ImmobiliSe the limb Reach a medical facility as fast as possible Do not use traditional remedies—only antivenom can save a life Urgent need for public awareness With the increase in Russell's Viper sightings and snakebite cases, especially during the monsoon, there's a growing demand for: Community education about snake safety Emergency antivenom stockpiles in rural hospitals Trained personnel in local clinics Awareness programs in schools and villages Most snakebite fatalities in India are preventable. The real challenge is timely access to treatment, particularly in remote areas. Respect the hiss. Spread awareness. Stay alert. Also Read | Female anaconda kills mating partner in rare ritual caught on camera; the reason might surprise you
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Why Are So Many Snakes Slithering Into Delhi This Monsoon?
New Delhi: Snakes are showing up more often across Delhi this monsoon in backyards, store rooms stairwells and even under parked cars. Wildlife helplines are reporting an unprecedented rise in such calls. At first glance, it feels like an unusual coincidence. But this is not so. This is what happens when concrete replaces forest and when the rain arrives. As the city expands and green cover shrinks, these reptiles are finding new spaces to hide and hunt, often closer to people than ever before. On July 28, a snake appeared on a road divider at bustling Chandni Chowk. Just days later, one slithered out from a Noida high-rise. A three-foot royal snake was found hiding behind a cot in a leafy South Delhi home. These sightings are becoming frequent, and so are the emergency calls. Monsoon months bring the highest number of snake rescues in the city. Wildlife SOS, a Delhi-based conservation group, receives dozens of alerts each week. From plush government bungalows to cramped resettlement colonies, the calls come from everywhere. They often find snakes hiding in dark corners, seeking shelter from waterlogged burrows. Government data backs the trend. Delhi's forest department reports 157 snake rescues between May and July this year. Most of these snakes were non-venomous. The Wildlife SOS estimates it relocates more than 100 snakes per month during the rainy season. And these are only the reported cases. Some groups are more at risk than others. Sanitation workers and people in informal settlements often face the most direct encounters. Most snakes in India are harmless. Of the 310 species, only 66 are venomous or semi-venomous. But four, the 'Big Four', are responsible for most fatal bites. They are Common Krait, Indian Cobra, Russell's Viper and Saw-Scaled Viper. So why are snakes coming out more often? Professor Gaurav Barhadiya of Ramanujan College has been studying the pattern for years. He points to monsoon triggers such as lush growth, breeding season and a rise in small prey like rats and squirrels. Rain draws them out. Since their food is out, so they are out too. Climate change, he says, is another factor. People think snake numbers are growing, but that is not true. The reptiles are more visible now because their habitat is shrinking, and the earth's temperature is rising. In the summer, snakes seek cooler places like under AC vents, near refrigerators and inside bathrooms. So how do we keep them away? We cannot rebuild forests, but we can preserve what we have. Make them reptile-friendly and let the natural system absorb them again.
