Bhubaneswar: The Forest Department of the Odisha Government has issued a set of guidelines for rescue and release of snakes from areas inhabited by humans. These guidelines will be implemented by certified snake handlers.

As per the new guidelines, exclusive authorization has been granted to certified snake handlers for executing all snake rescue and release operations within the state. These handlers are obligated to adhere strictly to the stipulated protocols while failure to do so will result in legal consequences in accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The intervention to save snakes will only be undertaken in situations where their presence poses a risk to human life, such as when they are found indoors or in close proximity to human habitation.

Moreover, snake rescue work must be confined to instances wherein the snakes have entered human dwellings, regardless of whether they are venomous or non-venomous species.

It is noteworthy that these handlers are volunteers and will not receive remuneration for their services from the Odisha Forest Department.

Any individual who obstructs the efforts of a certified snake handler during a rescue operation may face legal repercussions. Furthermore, engaging in actions that incite public panic, publicly exhibiting the rescued snake(s), or any other form of public display involving snakes, even if conducted by the snake handler, will attract legal penalties.