Snake Trouble in Nagpur? Here’s Who You Need to Call – And Fast!

As the monsoon season intensifies across Nagpur, the city is witnessing a dramatic spike in snake sightings — a pattern that repeats every year due to flooding of snake burrows and increased human-wildlife interaction. But while fear spreads fast, help is even faster this time — thanks to a verified, organized network of trained Sarpmitras (Snake Friends) and wildlife rescuers now available throughout Nagpur’s urban and rural belts.

⚠️ Why Snake Sightings Surge During Monsoon in Nagpur

During monsoon, heavy rains fill underground burrows, pushing snakes to seek shelter in warmer, drier locations — often homes, schools, and office premises. These encounters, if not handled correctly, can escalate into life-threatening situations.

What’s more alarming is the trend of untrained individuals attempting to kill or capture snakes, either out of panic or lack of awareness. This not only endangers lives but is also illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

📞 The Verified Contact List of Snake Rescuers in Nagpur

The Nagpur Forest Department, in collaboration with regional wildlife volunteers, has released a verified list of 18 trained snake rescuers. These professionals are trained, licensed, and equipped to handle venomous and non-venomous snakes, ensuring the safety of both the animal and human inhabitants.

👥 The Role of Sarpmitras: More Than Just Snake Catchers

The Sarpmitras listed above are not random volunteers. These individuals undergo specialized training under the Forest Department’s wildlife conservation programs. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Safely capturing and relocating snakes from human-occupied areas.

• Educating the public on how to respond during snake sightings.

• Reporting snake species and bite data to authorities for medical awareness.

• Supporting human-wildlife coexistence through rapid response.

📍 Areas Covered – Urban & Rural Reach

Whether you live in the heart of Sitabuldi or the outskirts of Butibori, this list ensures coverage across every major zone:

• Urban Core: Sitabuldi, Ramdaspeth, Bajaj Nagar, Wadi

• Suburban Areas: Beltarodi, Hudkeshwar, Sonegaon, Katol Road

• Rural/Near Industrial Zones: Hingna MIDC, Butibori, Kalmeshwar

These trained individuals reach within minutes, especially critical in snakebite emergencies.

⚡️ Why You Should Never Kill a Snake

It’s tempting to take matters into your own hands during a snake sighting. But this is both risky and punishable under Indian wildlife law. Here’s why:

• All snakes are protected species.

• Killing snakes can result in a fine or imprisonment under the Wildlife Protection Act.

• You might misidentify a non-venomous snake as venomous, leading to unnecessary panic and violence.

• Injured snakes are more likely to strike, escalating the threat.

Always call a verified Sarpmitra. Their intervention is legal, humane, and effective.

✅ What to Do If You Spot a Snake

1. Do not panic. Stay calm and move away slowly.

2. Do not attempt to trap or kill the snake.

3. Call a rescuer immediately from the contact list above.

4. Keep pets and children away from the snake.

5. Do not try to photograph or provoke the snake.

🚑 In Case of Snakebite – Act Fast

If someone is bitten by a snake:

• Stay calm and limit movement to reduce venom spread.

• Avoid tying a tourniquet or cutting the wound.

• Do not suck the venom out — it’s dangerous and ineffective.

• Call an ambulance or go to the nearest government hospital immediately.

• Inform the doctor about the area and time of bite for correct anti-venom administration.

📢 Spread the Word – Save a Life

This verified list of snake rescuers is more than a phonebook — it’s a life-saving toolkit. Save the numbers. Share them in housing societies, school groups, and local forums. You never know when this knowledge might save you or someone else.

By choosing to report instead of react, we build a safer, more informed, and wildlife-friendly Nagpur.