Maharashtra Govt To Issue ID Cards And ₹10 Lakh Insurance Cover To Snake Rescuers
Maharashtra Govt To Issue ID Cards And ₹10 Lakh Insurance Cover To Snake Rescuers
Mumbai, July 25, 2025: In a significant move to support wildlife conservation and those working at the grassroots level, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to provide identity cards and accident insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh to certified snake rescuers across the state.
The announcement was made by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule following a high-level meeting with top forest officials and wildlife experts. A formal proposal recommending these benefits will soon be submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for approval.
“Snake rescuers put their lives on the line to prevent snakebite incidents in villages and ensure the safe relocation of reptiles to their natural habitats. To acknowledge their vital role in reducing human-wildlife conflict, we will provide official ID cards and accident insurance,” Bawankule stated.
A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be developed to formalize this initiative. The minister also emphasized the importance of recognizing snake rescuers as part of essential services and including them in disaster response mechanisms.
To streamline coordination, a dedicated online portal will be created on the Forest Department’s website. The portal will host a verified database of certified snake rescuers, allowing quicker emergency responses and public access to trusted contacts.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) M. Srinivas Reddy, and Prof. Sambhajirao Patil, President of the All India Snake Rescuers and Animal Lovers Association.
Officials believe the move will enhance public safety while also strengthening the state’s wildlife conservation efforts.
