Assam to get snake research centre, treatment facility
Minister announces constitution of steering committee on snakebite mitigation, state-of-the-art serpentarium
Guwahati, July 31: Assam will soon get a state-level steering committee on snakebite mitigation and a state-of-the-art serpentarium to facilitate advanced research on snake venom, addressing the region-specific challenges of envenomation and treatment.
Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary announced this at the state’s first Snake Symposium on July 30.
The symposium — organised by the Assam State Biodiversity Board, Assam Forest Department, Help Earth and the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust — brought together over more than 80 snake rescuers from across the state, alongside national and international experts, researchers, educators and policymakers.
It was also proposed at the snake symposium to introduce the SARPA application, a technology-driven platform aimed at streamlining and monitoring snake rescue operations throughout the state. This app will be a vital tool in managing snake–human conflict, especially during flood seasons when such incidents peak.
A significant milestone of the day was the launch of a new booklet titled Snakebite Prevention and Management: A Community Guide for Assam.
Designed for public awareness and grassroots-level training, the booklet emphasises practical knowledge on snakebite first aid, do’s and don’ts and the importance of timely medical intervention.
Further, an MoU was signed between the Assam State Biodiversity Board and Help Earth to work jointly on snakebite awareness and mitigation programs at the Biodiversity Management Committee level.
