Hyderabad, July 27: Thousands of devotees thronged the nearest snake pits across the city on Sunday in order to feed it with their offerings. It is believed that the offerings, which include milk, rice with sugar, eggs and silver ornaments, would fulfill the devotees wishes.
A large number of women could be seen waiting for their turn to provide the offerings at the snake holes.
The activity went on till late evening.
Even as the festivities were on, Lakshman Reddy of Janachaitanya Vedika appealed, “A snake does not drink milk and offering it is nothing but ill-treating the animal.
We have in the past conducted awareness programmes regarding misconceptions about snakes. There are lot of myths about snakes which should not be believed by people.” “Snake charmers are a common sight on this day.
People should realise that holding a snake captive is an offence under the Indian law.” Vishwesh, member of Friends of Snakes Society who was involved in releasing some captive snakes, informed “We have been seizing the snakes from morning and the raids will go on till night. Large number of snakes have been seized. The number of seized snakes are almost equal compared to last year but in some parts of the city, it has come down.” Reportedly some of these snakes have been mutilated.
Their fangs have been cut and their venom sacks were sliced open, their mouths were also stitched. “The seized snakes will be given treatment and handed over to the forest department. If the forest department directs us, we ourselves will release them in their natural habitat,” said Vishwesh. Mahesh Aggarwal, general secretary, AP State Animal Welfare Board put the number of seized snakes at 75 and observed, “The volunteers of Blue Cross of Hyderabad, Friends of Snakes, Bharatiya Prani Mitra Sangh and personnel from the Anti-Poaching Squad of the Forest Department were involved in the rescue operation.” He added: “The snake varieties that were rescued include Spectacled Cobras, Rat Snakes, Green wine Snake and the sand boa.” Mahesh also said that a large number of college students participated in the rescue work.
–Agencies–