On September 24, HEAL conducted two workshops on Snake and Snakebite Management at Sanjeeva Town Bungalows, Rajarhat. Due to the close proximity with East Kolkata wetlands (a Ramsar Site) and many uninhabited bungalows, snakes are often found in the premises. This causes panic among residents and the possibility of snakebite related accidents. We aimed to replace the fear of snakes with knowledge about snakes, snakebites, do’s and don’ts upon a bite, and basics of snake management.

We discussed the species and characteristics of snakes found in the campus, ways to avoid attracting snakes in the premises, and snakebite management protocols. The workshops culminated in several long term measures where HEAL will share its knowledge with Sanjeeva Town residents. These include :

• Formation of a Standard Operating Procedure for rescue and release of snakes, and for incidents of snakebite.
• Formation of a quick response team who will manage the above situations.
• Upgrading the equipment used for rescuing snakes.

Snakes play an important role in controlling rodents and preventing spread of diseases. With a little knowledge on their ecology and behavior, as well as, appropriate and sustained outreach campaigns, we can increase tolerance of local residents towards them and give coexistence a chance.