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The Hindu
03-08-2025
- Science
- 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.
New Indian Express
02-08-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Reptile rescue: Kerala teachers to receive training to catch snakes spotted in schools
KOCHI: In 2019, ten-year-old Shahla Sherin died of snakebite at a government school in Wayanad, triggering a massive uproar. Last December, a girl was bitten by a snake at a school in Thiruvananthapuram. In Kerala, old school buildings often see these slithering reptiles turn up as uninvited guests, leading to panic. The threat is a constant source of worry for the parents. They can rest easy. For teachers of the state have decided to get trained, and that too by the forest department, in snake rescue. It is not a government initiative. A few teachers expressed interest in attending the training following which the forest department offered to hold a one-day session. Kerala has historically reported a high number of snakebites and an average 100 deaths in a year. Recently, after the introduction of the Sarpa app, there has been a steep decline in snakebite deaths. In 2024, around 3000 snakebites were reported while around 34 people died due to it. 'Palakkad reported the highest number of snakebite deaths in Kerala until recently, as the district has vast swathes of paddy fields and agriculture is the main source of livelihood. The figures dropped since farmers switched to mechanised farming,' said assistant conservator of forests T Mohammed Anwar. 'The programme aims to create awareness among teachers on rescuing, handling and releasing snakes. If we can train teachers, it will be easy to reach out to students,' he said. 'This is not a subject to troll the teachers. The training is not being organised by the education department and participation is voluntary. Interested teachers can attend. It will help know about rescuing snakes and how to ensure students' safety if a snake is spotted on the school premises,' said Kerala School Teachers Association Palakkad district secretary K Ajila. The session will be held at Aranya Bhavan, the forest department's training facility at Olavakode, from 9am to 5pm on August 11. 'If the response is inspiring, we plan to extend the training to teachers in all districts,' Anwar said.
