Nashik forest department says no to snake exhibition

NASHIK: Deputy conservator of forests, Arvind Patil, said that exhibition of snakes without permission is not allowed and such an act would attract action by the department.

Two groups of ‘Friends of Snakes’ – who have been given permission to rescue snakes from civilian areas – clashed against each other on the issue of demonstration of snakes for raising awareness at Nashik Road. Both could not register the complaint against each other with the police as the cops told them it was beyond their jurisdiction. The forest department said it could take cognizance of the matter.

“Any activity such as the exhibition of snakes, even if it is meant to raise awareness by ‘Friends of Snakes’ would attract punishment as this is not allowed. Cases have been registered in the past for such offences,” Patil said.

The official also said that in case ‘Friends of Snakes’ does not adhere to norms, the licences given to them to catch snakes will be revoked.

Ruturang, a cultural group, had organized an exhibition of snakes for raising awareness about the same against the backdrop of Nagpanchami. Manish Godbole, member of ‘Friends of Snakes’, was called for the same. As Godbole was explaining about the snakes, Manik Kumavat — another member— intervened and challenged exhibition of snakes. Both of them were summoned by Nashik Road police. However, after hearing both sides, cops refused to intervene saying it was beyond their jurisdiction.