Devotees urged not to worship live snakes

Hyderabad: Chief Wildlife Warden of Telangana Forest Department appealed to the people to not participate in live snake worship and instead worship stone/clay snake idols to celebrate a cruelty-free, snake-friendly Nagapanchami.

He stated that all types of snakes found in the country were protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and their capture, display and transport is a punishable offence leading to imprisonment of three to seven years and fine not less than Rs 10,000.

He urged the people to spread awareness on the importance of snakes and preach the truth about snakes and discourage any fear, misunderstanding and myths surrounding snakes.

He said the worship of snakes had led to an increased demand for snake display during the festival and hence, in order to make fast bucks, greedy people were becoming snake charmers. The fake snake charmers rent snakes from local snake catchers and make quick money by displaying these snakes during the festival, he said.

He explained that snakes are caught weeks before the festival and kept in dirty cramped baskets without access to light, fresh air, food, water or any opportunity for movement. The snake charmers to ensure personal safety, remove snakes’ fangs and stitch its mouth with blunt and unsterilised needles.

As a result, the starved and dehydrated snakes become prone to severe infection and illness. On the festival day, devotees sprinkle kumkum and haldi – both of which cause irritation to snakes. To make the matters worse, devotees offer milk to snakes and these dehydrated animals have no option but to ‘drink’ it.

But, the snakes lack enzymes required to digest milk. Feeding them with milk results in dysentery, intestinal irritation and ultimately death, he added.

He also appealed to the people to report any person found in possession of snakes. Contact the Telangana Forest Department - 18004255364 (toll-free number) or Friends of Snakes Society - 8374233366 (tip-line number), he added.