Spotted a reptile? Don’t panic and call us, say authorities
As the Yamuna floodwater recedes, sightings of reptiles have increased across the Capital. These have been spotted mostly by Delhiites who are living in the makeshift camps. “One day I entered my tent and saw a snake curled up in the middle of my bed,” shares Sima Devi, who is living with four members of her family at the relief camp near Yamuna Khadar Road, under Mayur Vihar Phase 1 metro station. She adds, “I was so scared that I ran out screaming!”
Such sightings are usual during the monsoon, but due to the floods this year, they are being reported in a more systematic manner. The Delhi Forest Department (DFD) has formed a Rapid Response Team and circulated the helpline number 1800118600 for reporting any such spottings.
Shedding light on the same, an official from DFD informs us, “The task force has so far rescued over 25 snakes from areas surrounding the Old Railway Bridge. As soon as we get a call through our helpline number, we rescue the reptiles and release them in secure areas such as the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.” Kartick Satyanarayan, cofounder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, adds, “We’ve received around 300 calls of reptile sightings in the past five days from flood-affected areas across the city. The organisation has rescued over 70 reptiles this month alone, including the common rat snake, checkered keelback, monitor lizard and common sand boa. 30 reptiles were rescued in the month of June.”
Delhi’s chief wildlife warden, Suneesh Buxy, explains the possible reason behind the increased sightings: “Snakes and other reptiles seek dry areas when their natural habitats are inundated by flood or rainwater.”
“Of the 40 species of snakes found in Delhi, only two are venomous—
the common cobra and the krait. The other species are non-venomous and harmless,” informs Satyanarayan, adding, “We advise the public not to panic or trouble the snakes if they spot these creatures. Remember, a snake bites only when it’s stepped on, feels cornered or scared. You can call our Wildlife SOS helpline number (+91-9871963535) and our team will immediately respond.”