Teachers set to become first responders in snake encounters in Kerala’s schools

As snake sightings surge on school campuses, teachers in Kerala are set to receive specialised training in snake rescue and handling.

The Forest department is set to launch a pilot programme in Palakkad district, which has consistently recorded some of the highest numbers of snake encounters in the State. The initiative is expected to be expanded to other schools and colleges across Kerala in the subsequent phases.

The initiative is a key component of SARPA (Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App) mission. It also aligns with the State Envenomation Zero Mortality Kerala project, which aims to eliminate deaths from snakebites by 2030.

Ahead of the reopening of schools, forest personnel and SARPA volunteers had conducted safety inspections, during which snakes were spotted at several places. Notably, both venomous species like the Russel’s viper (one of India’s ‘Big Four’ venomous snakes), and non-venomous types such as the common wolf snake were found in school buildings and its close proximity.

The idea of training teachers originated during a meeting of the Palakkad district human-wildlife conflict monitoring committee. “Snakes often thrive in paddy field ecosystems, which are common in Palakkad. While mechanisation of farming has reduced some habitats, the reptile presence remains significant in the region,” an official pointed out.

The programme assumes immense relevance against the backdrop of the tragic death of Shahla Sherin, a 10-year-old student in Wayanad in 2019, who died after a snakebite in her classroom. Besides, numerous snakebite cases have been reported in various places, including a recent one that occurred recently at Chenkal near Neyyattinkara.

According to T. Mohammed Anwar, State Nodal Officer of SARPA, the training aims to prevent such tragedies through a two-pronged strategy- preventing snakebites and managing them effectively when such incidents occur.

For the pilot phase, 64 educators, mostly certified snake handlers, have been identified to lead training sessions for schoolteachers. These sessions will cover not only rescue operations and species identification, but also provide information on the nearest health centres equipped with anti-venom.

“These trained teachers will serve as first responders in their schools. They are also expected to impart awareness on students, who often come dangerously close to snakes without realising the risk. The programme also aims to foster a culture of healthy coexistence with reptiles and dispel long-held fears and myths about snakes,” Mr. Anwar added.