Maharashtra to Recognize Snake Rescuers with IDs, Insurance
State Government Plans Accident Coverage and Essential Service Status for Lifesaving Work
- Maharashtra plans to provide ID cards and ₹10 lakh accident insurance to snake rescuers.
- Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the decision after a high-level meeting.
- A formal recommendation will be sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis soon.
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 24th July: The Maharashtra government plans to issue identity cards and provide accident insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh to snake rescuers, recognizing their crucial role in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced this decision on Thursday following a high-level meeting.
A formal recommendation to extend these benefits to snake rescuers will soon be forwarded to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the minister confirmed. Bawankule emphasized the risks snake rescuers undertake, stating, “Snake rescuers often risk their lives to protect villagers from venomous snakes and ensure that the reptiles are safely relocated to their natural habitats.” He acknowledged their “selfless contribution” as the driving force behind the plan to provide official ID cards and accident insurance. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will also be developed to guide their work.
Highlighting the “critical nature” of snake rescuers’ contributions, the minister underscored the necessity of classifying snake rescue as an essential service. This classification would enable their inclusion in broader disaster response mechanisms.
To foster better coordination and transparency, the forest department’s website will feature a dedicated portal listing certified snake rescuers. This online resource aims to facilitate quicker responses during emergencies and provide the public with readily accessible, verified contact information. The government believes this initiative will not only support the rescuers themselves but also significantly bolster overall wildlife conservation efforts.
The meeting where these decisions were made saw the participation of key officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) M. Srinivas Reddy, and Prof. Sambhajirao Patil, President of the All India Snake Rescuers and Animal Lovers Association.
