- Bhopal releases key contacts for safe encounters
By Asif Hasan
Bhopal: With the monsoon season now underway, sightings of snakes are on the rise in homes, offices, fields, and even vehicles across Bhopal. Unfortunately, this also leads to a surge in snakebite incidents, particularly affecting those working in agricultural areas. If you encounter a snake, resist the urge to approach or harm it. Instead, ensure your safety and call a professional snake handler for assistance.
Why snakes are more visible during the monsoon:
* Increased water: Snakes may leave their burrows due to flooding.
* Food: Rodents, which are a food source for snakes, may also be displaced by the monsoon, drawing snakes closer to human habitation.
* Breeding: Some snake species breed during the monsoon, increasing their activity.
* Seeking shelter: Snakes may seek dry, elevated areas for shelter when their burrows are flooded.
Safety precautions:
* Be aware of your surroundings: Use a flashlight when walking outside, especially at night, and be mindful of where you step.
* Check shoes and clothing: Snakes may seek shelter in shoes and clothing left outside.
* Secure garbage: Properly dispose of garbage to avoid attracting rodents.
* Seal entry points: Seal any gaps, holes, or crevices in your home’s walls, doors, and windows to prevent snakes from entering.
* Stay calm: If you encounter a snake, remain calm and avoid approaching it.
* Call for help: Contact local authorities or animal rescue organizations for safe removal.
Expert contacts for safe snake relocation
If you spot a snake anywhere—be it your home, office, farm field, car, or bike—refrain from attempting to catch or kill it. Instead, reach out to these experts, who are equipped to safely handle and relocate the reptiles.
Here are the contact numbers for snake experts in different areas of Bhopal:
Salim Bhai (T.T. Nagar): 9425600658
O.P. Sohani (Saket Nagar/Arera Colony): 9893098483
Shahid Bhai (Karond): 9826291176
Munna Bhai (DIG Bungalow): 9303445671
Diwan Ahuja (Bairagarh): 9827376559
Nikhil Raut (Meenal Residency): 9424724258
Khalil Miyan (Kolar): 9203897732
Aslam (DIG Bungalow): 9826032234
Zafar Khan (Ashoka Garden): 9893661295
Lakhan Malviya (Lal Ghati): 9303134142
Raja Ram (Bhadbhada): 7587608535
Hira Lal (BHEL): 7869455779
Akash (Piplani): 7999319147
Government directives for snakebite [revention
The State Disaster Management Authority (Home Department) had previously issued directives to all District Collectors to ensure necessary preparations and public awareness for controlling and managing snakebite incidents during the monsoon. The government has emphasized creating a detailed database of ‘Snake-Catchers’ and ‘Sarp Mitra’ (Snake Friends) in all districts and deploying them at the Panchayat/Ward level. Instructions were also given to train local youth in snakebite-prone areas to form teams of ‘Sarpa Mitras,’ Civil Defense Volunteers, and professional snake-catchers, alongside releasing dedicated helpline numbers.
