PTR: Vanjeevi didis rescue 7-foot python in first-of-its-kind operation
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, August 30: In what has been described as a first-of-its-kind rescue operation in the Palamu Tiger Reserve…
Vanjeevi Didis with the rescued Indian rock python before releasing it into the forests of Palamu Tiger Reserve.
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, August 30: In what has been described as a first-of-its-kind rescue operation in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), a team of Vanjeevi Didis rescued a seven-foot-long Indian rock python weighing around 15 kg from a chicken coop in the Garu West range.
The rescue, carried out two days ago, marked a significant shift from the traditionally male-dominated snake rescue operations in PTR, with the women volunteers stepping in to handle the large and agile reptile.
PTR Deputy Director, South Division, Kumar Ashish, said the rescue demonstrated the courage and confidence of the Vanjeevi Didis, several of whom were wearing sarees and some were even barefoot when they responded to the emergency.
The python was found inside the chicken coop of Arun Oraon at Besna Kharn village after it had killed and eaten a hen.
The sight of the large reptile inside the coop triggered panic among the chickens and alarm among the household members, according to forest officials.
The Vanjeevi Didis were called to the spot and managed to capture the python within around 20 minutes, without causing any injury to the snake.
The rescued python was subsequently released into the nearby forest of the tiger reserve.
Training boosted confidence
Babita, a member of the Vanjeevi Didi rescue team, said the experience was both thrilling and challenging.
She recalled that some members of the team had been working in agricultural fields with their feet immersed in slushy water when they were alerted about the python. They immediately left their work and rushed to the site, with some even running barefoot to participate in the rescue.
Babita said none of the women hesitated to respond to the call.
The confidence of the Vanjeevi Didis was strengthened by a day-long training programme on snake handling and rescue organised under the direction of Kumar Ashish.
The training was conducted just three days before the python rescue, and the women were also provided with snake-rescue kits.
According to Babita, the training and equipment significantly boosted the team’s morale and helped them handle the python safely.
No harm to the snake
The rescue also highlighted a gradual change in public attitudes towards snakes in villages around PTR.
Forest officials said the python was not harmed by the Oraon family or neighbours despite the initial panic.
Kumar Ashish said there had been a time when snakes found near human habitation were often attacked and killed by crowds. However, sustained awareness campaigns by the forest department have encouraged people to seek help rather than harm the reptiles.
Even venomous species such as kraits, cobras and Russell’s vipers, officials said, are increasingly being left unharmed until trained personnel arrive for rescue.
Appeal to stay calm during snake sightings
The Vanjeevi Didis have appealed to villagers not to panic or attempt to attack snakes or scorpions when they are spotted inside or around homes.
They urged residents to remain calm and immediately contact the nearest forest beat guard or Vanjeevi Didi rescue team.
Forest officials said the growing participation of local women in wildlife rescue could strengthen community-based conservation efforts in areas surrounding the tiger reserve.
The successful rescue of the large Indian rock python has also given the Vanjeevi Didis greater confidence to respond to future wildlife emergencies.
