Snakes sighted after flood waters recede in Delhi, government forms quick response team
New Delhi: Following an increase in incidents of snake sightings during the receding flood waters in Delhi, the government on Tuesday decided to set up a quick response team to deal with the situation. According to an official, for the first time a decision has been taken to constitute such a team. This step reflects the seriousness of the recent floods. During this, the water level of Yamuna in Delhi broke the record of four decades.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that quick response teams will work in flood-affected areas of Delhi and address concerns related to snakes. The Forest Department has started a helpline number to inform about snake sighting incidents and provide immediate assistance.
It has been said in a statement that in the last few days there have been many reports of snakes coming out of the houses, which has created a danger for the residents. Concerns have increased about snakes being found near flood relief camps. An official told ‘PTI-Bhasha’ that more than 25 snakes have been caught and released in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary from the areas around the old railway bridge.
Delhi’s Chief Wildlife Warden Sunish Bakshi said that when flood or rain water enters the natural habitat of snakes and other reptiles, they look for dry areas. Most of the snakes found during Delhi floods are not poisonous. He said that some cobra and krait snakes have also been found.
