On 10 April 2017 a workshop was organised by Thane forest department for snakefriends and animal rescuers from Thane, Mumbai , Navi mumbai,Kalyan and Dombivali.Topic of the meeting was SoP for snake rescue. Around 55 Rescuers attended this workshop.
Forest officials including Mr. Sunil limaye (CCF- Thane territorial), Mr. Kishor Thakre(DCF), Mr.Saste( DFO- Vigilance), Mr. Kank (RFO-Mumbai), Mr. Kambli (RFO-Thane) were present for workshop.
Presentation on SoP was given by renowned herpetologist of India Mr. Kedar Bhide. He nicely explained the concept of rescue. He told that , "Rescuers should always ask one question before rescuing snake that is it really necessary to rescue snake ??? " Flow chart for rescue and release was nicely explained by him.
Some important things were discussed in the workshop as follows-
1. Whatsapp groups should be created of rescuers and concerned forest officials to intimate about daily rescues.
2. Parents approval to be made mandatory before applying for Id cards.
3. Starting e magazine compromising articles of experience of rescuers about their animals rescues.
4. Making database of veterneiry doctors willing to help wild animals and birds. They will be recognized by Forest Department.
5. Decision about snakefriends providing snaked to Haffkine institute.
6. CCF Mr. Limaye sir told all his officials to respond and help to solve grievances of rescuers who approach them.
7. Making and Publishing Standard intimation form for rescuers so that this data can be later used foe for research.
8. Making Chief Conservator of Forests - Thane Circle page available for online complaint regarding to handling and stuntbaji of snakefriends.
9. Within next 1-2 months crematorium for wildanimals to be started at Shilphata.
Overall it was successful workshop. Looking forward to many more . Lets get unite to have better future for both snakes and snakefriends.
Special thanks to Mr. Limaye , Mr. Kambli and Mr. Kank.
Last but not least thanks to my volunteers Rohit Mohite Sushil Gaikwad and Chetan H Patre for helping me in co ordinating this workshop.
Note: Im attaching online registration form which will be use to gather the database of snakefriends and later submitted to Forest Department. Those people who haven't filled the form yet kindly submit it now.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Xb47CXE4WvBSfBM3L93QRXcBHsZr21n3sY2iDwKbJ9o/edit?usp=drivesdk