Berhampur: A dedicated effort to raise awareness about snake conservation took place at the newlydesignated ‘Blue Flag Beach’, the Sonapur beach in Ganjam district Tuesday, under the leadership of snake rescuer Ganapati Sahu. With a steadfast commitment spanning 15 years, Sahu has been independently rescuing snakes in Ganjam district through his organisation, the ‘Wild Animals Protection Force Ganjam’. This initiative was conducted in collaboration with ‘Pati Sonapur Blue Flag Beach’ and ‘Jungle Lore Foundation’. The programme witnessed the participation of more than 50 individuals from the local community, including youths, fishermen, women, and tourists.
Wildlife expert Asish Kumar Dash, along with wildlife scholar Akash Ranjan Rath, served as resource persons, enlightening the audience about the diversity, threats, and the crucial role of the community in snake conservation. Distinguished climate activists such as Soumya Ranjan Biswal, IVLP Alumna climate activist Sagar Kumar Patro, and Sibaram Panigrahi, president of ‘Sabuja Bahini Group’ lent their support by encouraging local youths to champion the cause. During the event, pamphlets were distributed among participants and tourists, providing information about snakes, mitigation measures, and how to assist local snake rescuers and Forest departments in saving these reptiles in the region.
Highlighting the urgency of such initiatives, recent statistics revealed a concerning trend in snakerelated fatalities in the state. Between 2018-19 and 2022-23, a total of 4,870 human deaths were recorded, with 1,026 fatalities in 2018-19, 929 in 2019-20, 1,185 in 2020- 21, 954 in 2021-22, and 754 in 2022- 23. Speakers on the occasion said that a concerted effort must be made to promote harmony between snakes and human beings in the district and other parts of Odisha.