Solve problems or face snakes in Assembly, say snake-charmers

Snake-Charmers in Orissa have threatened to release their snakes in the state Assembly, if the government does not help resolve their proble...

Snake-Charmers in Orissa have threatened to release their snakes in the state Assembly, if the government does not help resolve their problems. Recent crackdowns by the Forest Department have resulted in several arrests and the seizure of snakes.

Snake-charmers are protesting the crackdowns — in one incident, the authorities seized a python that was displayed in Cuttack’s Jobra area. ‘‘If the state government does not come up with a solution to our problems, we will release all our snakes into the Assembly premises,’’ snake-charmers said here yesterday.

Almost a decade ago, the Forest Department had mooted the establishment of a park on the lines of the Madras Snake Park, but the idea seems to have fizzled out.

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Officials say ensnaring and trapping snakes amounts to poaching and cannot be allowed as per the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Moreover, de-fanging is a form of torture and invites punishment under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

A senior official said most snake-charmers use crude and traditional methods to extract the fangs of snakes which reduce their natural lifespan and make them less resistant to diseases. Snake-charmers argue they don’t harm the reptiles. ‘‘On the other hand, they take care of them. Seeking livelihood through them is not a crime,’’ argued the Lok Adhikar Manch, an organisation working for snake-charmers.