Mumbai: 'Rescued snakes kept in plastic bottles without food at Nalasopara'

A snake, which had laid eggs, seen in a plastic container

The Honorary Wildlife Warden of Palghar has accused the Fire Brigade department in Nalasopara of cruelty towards rescued snakes.

Vaishali Chawan has alleged that the fire brigade department in Nalasopara rescued many snakes from the area, but hasn't release them into the wild yet. She further claimed that the rescued snakes were kept in plastic bottles for a month, without giving them any food. "I have a few friends who rescue snakes in Nalasopara and they recently sent me pictures of snakes rescued by the fire brigade. I was shocked to see the inhuman treatment meted out to them," she said.

She alleged that the snakes were kept in plastic bottles and containers for almost a month, without food. Some were even injured and had maggot injuries.

Expressing concern, Pawan Sharma, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane, said, "There is a state-wide SOP for rescue, treatment, rehab and release of snakes easily available online."

An official from the Fire Brigade at Nalasopara from Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation said that snakes in their jurisdiction were released into Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.

‘Beware of fake snake rescuers'

The forest department is taking action against "rescuers" who claim to work for them, and are charging a fee for work from people. Santosh Kank, RFO, Thane Forest Department (Territorial) said that people are showing fake IDs to con people, and said that they haven't been issuing them.