BBMP claims the number of complaint calls about snake sightings have increased this year

Rachana Ramesh | NT

Bengaluru: Along with the usual issues of falling trees and constant power cuts that follow the month of monsoon, this year has witnessed a spurt in snake sightings across the city.

In the past seven days, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has received almost double the number of complaint calls about snake sightings. “We used to receive about 35-40 complaints during the season, but the number of calls has gone up to 75 on a daily basis,” said Prasanna Kumar, wildlife warden BBMP.

“If it is found in an area which seems like a natural habitat for them to occur in the city, sewers for example, we let that complaint go. For now, we have been attending all the serious complaints, where the sightings have happened inside houses,” he said.

Snake-related complaints rise during the summer months of every year. But this year more complaints are being filed during the pre-monsoon phase. “The hatching of the eggs takes place in June and the number of snakes increases in July,” Kumar said.

Since it has been consistently raining, there is early hatching of eggs and instead of one mother snake, there is an addition of four more baby snakes, he explained. Rat snakes, Russell’s viper, Indian checkered snake (also known as Asiatic water snake) are the common variety of snakes seen in the city.

The sightings have been mostly reported from areas with ongoing civic activities and areas that have been newly developed. The BBMP has also advised the public to not to engage with the snake themselves with the use of sticks or other methods.

They have also urged the public not to call private snake catchers. “This is because snake rescue is a risky job and people often do not check the professional credentials of the snake catcher. Who will take up the responsibility if the snake bites and it proves to be fatal? We urge people not to take the risk,” said Kumar.

Snakes in Cubbon Park

In the last week, a snake bite has come to the notice of the Cubbon Park Walkers Association (CPWA). “When stray dogs are present, the problem of snake is minimal as they fear dogs. But with many of these dogs recently caught and taken away, the problem has increased. Moreover many snake catchers also leave the captured snakes at Lalbagh and Cubbon Park as it is close by,” said S. Umesh, president, CPWA.

“The recent rains have increased the grass cover and morning walkers may fail to see these snakes. Families on picnics won’t notice them. Cubbon Park is a landmark, where the middle-class can have a time of leisure, and it is the responsibility of the department to allow it,” said Umesh.

“The Horticulture department must take notice of the issue and post signs across the park. The security must stay vigilant and alert the public where they must not step,” he added. He also said that this has been the first case that has been brought to his notice, but many might have gone unreported.

The Horticulture Department has said it will be erecting 10-15 more caution signs in the park along with the already existing eight.

In case of a snake sighting, the public must call either the BBMP control room on 080-22221188 or the Forest Department’s helpline