Two-day snake rescuers and train-the-trainers workshop concludes at Assam State Zoo

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 2, 2024

A two-day workshop, “Snake Rescuers and Train-the-Trainers Meet” concluded at the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati on Saturday with active participation from 44 snake rescuers and enthusiasts from across the state.

The event aimed to strengthen snake rescue, conservation, and awareness initiatives in Assam, with a focus on mitigating human-snake conflict and promoting coexistence.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including chief guest Vinay Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam.

The guest of honour, Dr Parimal Chandra Bhattacharjee, an eminent scientist and retired professor from Gauhati University, shared valuable insights on the ecological importance of snakes.

The ceremony was further enriched by the presence of Rohini Ballave Saikia, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Assam, and Ashwini Kumar, Director of the Assam State Zoo, who hosted the event.

The workshop featured Gnaneswar Ch, Project Leader for Snakebite Mitigation at The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust & Centre for Herpetology (MCBT), as the core resource person. His sessions covered advanced techniques in snake rescue, safe handling practices, first aid, and strategies to address snakebite mitigation and conservation challenges.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, gaining in-depth knowledge of safe snake rescue practices, conservation ethics, and rehabilitation techniques. One of the highlights of the program was the distribution of snake rescue kits to the participants, equipping them to carry out their work more effectively.

The event, jointly organized by Help Earth, MCBT, and the Assam State Zoo, received support from USV Private Limited, Mumbai, and the Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC). This initiative marked a significant step toward building a skilled and informed network of snake rescuers in the state.

The organizers extended their gratitude to all participants for their dedication and to the dignitaries and supporters for their valuable contributions, reaffirming their commitment to wildlife conservation in Assam.