Forest dept warns strict action against possession of live snakes

03 August, Hyderabad

Telangana State Forest Department today urged the public not to encourage or participate in the use of live snakes for worship during Nagapanchami festival.

The Forest Department’s announcement initiated a public awareness drive ahead of the forthcoming Nagapanchami festival, with support from Humane Society International/India and other local animal welfare NGOs.

In a statement here, the Department also warned strict action against anyone found in possession of live snakes. The capture and display of snakes is an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Snake charmers take advantage of the demand for live snake worship during Nagapanchami, the statement said.

Weeks ahead of the festival, snake charmers capture the snakes, pull their fangs out, stitch their mouths shut and keep them in dirty cramped baskets with no access to light, fresh air, food and water.

On the day of Nagapanchami, snake charmers travel around the city and charge devotees to catch a glimpse of these snakes. Snakes suffer tremendously during this ordeal, and most die in captivity due to starvation, dehydration, infection or grievous injuries sustained during transportation.

During the festival, devotees offer milk to snakes and these dehydrated animals have no option but to drink it. Devotees think that snakes drink milk but the truth is snakes can’t digest milk and develop dysentery, infections and often die an ultimately death. The Forest Department has made its tip line number, 1800-425-5364, available to the general public to report any snake charmers or incidences of live snake display during the festival.