Workshop on Snake Rescue and Awareness Promotes Human-Snake Coexistence in Sonbarsa

Balodabazar Forest Division Launches Innovative Wildlife Conservation Initiative

Raipur, July 2026 : In a unique initiative to promote wildlife conservation and reduce human-snake conflict, the Balodabazar Forest Division organised a “Snake Rescue and Awareness Workshop 2026” at Sonbarsa Van Vihar, encouraging peaceful coexistence between humans and snakes through scientific awareness and practical training.

The workshop was organised under the guidance of Chhattisgarh Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap and the leadership of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, as part of the state’s broader vision for wildlife conservation and public awareness.

The programme aimed to dispel common myths surrounding snakes and develop a scientific understanding among forest personnel and young volunteers. Participants received detailed training on identifying venomous and non-venomous snake species, understanding their behaviour, recognising their ecological importance, and learning safe rescue techniques.

Officials explained that snakes play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent and pest populations. Citizens were advised to avoid accumulating grass, firewood, or scrap materials around homes, as these provide ideal hiding places for snakes. They were also urged to control rodent populations around residential areas since snakes are often attracted in search of food.

The workshop’s first session was held at the Balodabazar Forest Division Office, where experts discussed snake identification, behaviour, habitat, ecological significance, first aid for snakebite incidents, rescue protocols, and measures to minimise human-snake conflict. Scientific information was shared to counter widespread misconceptions associated with snakes.

The second session took place at Sonbarsa Van Vihar, where participants witnessed live snake rescue demonstrations. Experts provided hands-on training in the safe use of rescue equipment and demonstrated how rescued snakes could be released back into their natural habitats without causing them harm.

The workshop featured expert resource persons including Dr. Manjeet Kaur Bal, State Lead of the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), Chhattisgarh; Dr. Jagpal Singh Bal, Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Government Polytechnic College, Berla, Bemetara; and FES Project Managers Narendra Kumar Yadav, Anchal Thakur, and Manav Raj. The experts shared their experience and introduced participants to the latest scientific techniques in safe snake rescue and wildlife management.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from forest officers, frontline forest staff, security personnel, and YUVAN volunteers representing various forest ranges of the Balodabazar Forest Division. Participants actively interacted with the experts, clarified their doubts, and pledged to adopt scientific practices in wildlife conservation.

Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Forest Officer Dhammashil Ganvir said snakes are an integral part of nature and the ecosystem, and that developing scientific awareness is essential to reducing human-snake conflict. He added that such training programmes not only enhance the capacity of forest personnel but also foster a positive public attitude towards wildlife conservation.

The successful organisation of the workshop reflected the effective collaboration between the Forest Department and the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). Balodabazar Range Forest Officer Ekta Kar and her team played a key role in coordinating and conducting the programme.