Shillong, July 7: Participants at a consultation workshop on Human–Snake Conflict Management Plan in Shillong have stressed the urgent need for public awareness campaigns, training for at-risk communities, and deployment of snake-handling equipment at tourist sites.
The Forest and Environment Department of Meghalaya, in collaboration with Help Earth, the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), and supported by the University of Reading, organized a high-level state-level consultation workshop on Human-Snake Conflict Management Plan on July 4 at Conference Hall, Sylvan House, Shillong.
The event drew officials from a diverse array of organisations, including the departments of Planning, Health, Education, Disaster Management, and the Zoological Survey of India (Shillong), alongside representatives from Assam Don Bosco University, the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, and the Office of the Directorate of Health Services.
The welcome address was delivered by R.S. Gill, PCCF & HOFF, Forest and Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya, and the session was presided over by H. C. Choudhary, PCCF (WL, BD) & CWLW, Meghalaya. The meeting addressed the growing human-snake conflict arising from floods, climate change, and habitat encroachment, and emphasized the urgent need for awareness programs, training for high-risk groups and stakeholders, provision of snake-handling equipment at tourist spots, and public education on identifying venomous and non-venomous snakes.
The workshop featured presentations by Gnaneswar Ch (MCBT) and Dr Jayaditya Purkayastha (Help Earth), who advocated for scientific and community-driven strategies that blend modern technology, traditional wisdom, and stakeholder engagement. Open dialogue among participating agencies fostered stronger interdepartmental coordination, setting the stage for cohesive policy implementation.
The meeting highlighted the utility of the Sarpa mobile app for reporting snake rescues and proposed the inclusion of snakebite deaths under disaster relief compensation. A strong recommendation was made to ensure the availability of first aid at the community level for snakebite treatment.
The Sarpa mobile app is a dedicated platform for reporting snake sightings and coordinating rescue operations. It serves as a vital tool in mitigating human-snake conflict by connecting the public with trained rescuers in real-time.
The participants agreed to expand SARPA’s reach across Meghalaya, roll out training sessions targeting frontline personnel and communities, and incorporate dedicated relief measures for snakebite victims as part of disaster response efforts.
Widely used in states such as Assam and Kerala, SARPA has been instrumental in streamlining conflict data and dispatching certified rescuers.
Task forces are expected to finalize the operational blueprint by the end of Q3 2025, focusing on digital tools, capacity building, emergency preparedness, and proper documentation.
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