KPTCL employees turn snake catchers for a day

Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Employees Limited were trained at Civil Defence headquarters to help themselves in dealing with snakes that have been spotted at power stations and substations. Exercises were conducted on snake capture and transportation. Instructions on seeking expert advise and avoiding precarious situations were also presented.

Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited employees from across states were trained at Bengaluru Civil Defence headquarters to help themselves identify snakes and deal with it cautiously.

As a part of training, snake experts and Mohan K from Civil Defence taught KPTCL employees how to react when the snake is spotted in a presentation of dos and don’ts 

"These employees rush to power stations and substations during an emergency and for regular maintenance. If they have the knowledge of snakes, they can handle the situation better. From identifying to handling it, to report to an expert, all these aspects were taught." said Mohan.

Civil Defence and Emergency Services DIG, Roopa D Moudgil who spoke to Asianet Newsable said that these activities in Bengaluru City are necessary as the city and its outskirts have been witnessing an increase in cases of snake-spotting. 

"This training will help in reduction of snake bites among people. At the same time, snakes will be rescued and released back into their habitat," she added.

According to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, Wildlife Department, there has been an increase in sighting of snakes, these days in the outskirts of Bengaluru and the numbers will only increase during summer as reptiles keep looking for places to cool down their body temperature.

"Now with 34 volunteers, we are able to attend 20 calls per day and this will only increase three-fold starting from January end especially in the outskirts of the city due to rapid urbanisation. Activities like this help us reduce snake bite cases and conserve wildlife." Mohan stressed.