On 16 July, to commemorate World Snake Day 2025, HEAL organized a multi-stakeholder awareness and capacity building program at Sajnekhali, Sundarban Tiger Reserve. We are deeply grateful to our partners, Upadhyaya Foundation and Jac Olivol Group, for their generous support of our “Zero Deaths from Snakebites” campaign in the Sundarbans and across other regions of West Bengal, respectively, as part of which this celebration was organised.
The event saw participation from 20 faith healers and 50 village doctors across Kultali and Gosaba blocks of Sundarbans, and students of four local schools of Gosaba. Mr. Rajendra Jakher, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Sundarbans, and Mr. Justin Jones, Divisional Forest Officer, Sundarbans, graced the event as Guests of Honour.
Two distinguished speakers commenced the event with their talks. Dhritiman Mukherjee , acclaimed wildlife photographer, spoke about human perceptions of wild animals and how empathy and awareness can foster coexistence. Dr. Pratyush Mohapatra, scientist and herpetologist, shared fascinating biological insights about snakes while busting common myths surrounding them and snakebites.
This was followed by a capacity-building workshop led by Dr. Samarendra Nath Roy, Medical Officer of Canning Sub-Division and a snakebite specialist. His workshop focused on enhancing the skills of traditional healers and village doctors in identifying snakebite symptoms, administering first aid, and implementing the correct, scientifically appropriate treatment protocols.
Four snake rescue kits were distributed to Sundarban Tiger Reserve (STR) and Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR). The kits included tongs, transparent lab pipes, baggers and bags, hooks, gloves, small catching devices, headlamps and snake field guide.
The celebration was a resounding success as it brought together all the key stakeholders who shape human-snake coexistence in the Sundarbans—faith healers, village doctors, forest staff, and community members. It created a rare platform for open dialogue, where myths about snakes were dispelled and widespread misconceptions around snakebite treatment were thoughtfully addressed.
