The number of snake cruelty cases has dropped considerably, thanks to the growing awareness. According to Soudharm Bhandari, coordinator, Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA), “We started this initiative 19 years ago, rescuing over 200 snakes each Naga Panchami. But thanks to persistent awareness campaigns and public cooperation, the number dropped dramatically to just 11 rescues in 2024. Hyderabad is slowly waking up to compassion.”

Since 2005, the GHSPCA has rescued a staggering 5,276 snakes from illegal captivity, public abuse, and near-certain death, especially during the Naga Panchami season.

This year too, volunteers from GHSPCA, in collaboration with the Forest Department and animal welfare organisations such as People for Animals (PFA), will be on the ground across Hyderabad to prevent snake abuse in the name of religious observance.

Most misunderstood species in the world

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 clearly prohibits the capture, possession, and public display of snakes. These actions are treated as serious criminal offences under non-bailable sections

Due to deep-rooted superstition, during nagpanchami, people feed milk to snakes which their bodies can’t digest, and decorated with kumkum (vermilion) for money and spectacle.

Contrary to public opinion, all snakes are not dangerous. People kill snakes when spotted.

Snake charmers capturing cobras and other species weeks ahead of the festival. They brutally defang them, crush their venom glands, stitch their mouths shut, and keep them in dark, airless boxes without food or water.

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 clearly prohibits the capture, possession, and public display of snakes. These actions are treated as serious criminal offences under non-bailable sections. GHSPCA has warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in snake charm practices.

In recent years, several Hyderabad localities — including Shalibanda, Hussaini Alam, Gowlipura, Begum Bazar, Doodhbowli, Lal Darwaza, Ramkoti, Mogalpura, and Kamatipura — have been hotspots for snake-related cruelty during the festival. GHSPCA and PFA teams, equipped with rescue gear and veterinary support, will be actively patrolling these areas this week.

GHMC gears up for Nagpanchami

As the city prepares to observe the Naga Panchami festival, the Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) has once again swung into action to protect snakes.

“Our volunteers are ready, and our helplines are open. We request all citizens to report any snake charmers they spot,” Bhandari said. “We are not against the festival. We are against the pain inflicted on innocent creatures under the guise of tradition,” said Soudharm Bhandari With each rescue, the organisation hopes to chip away at the blind beliefs that cause so much suffering to these reptiles. To report snake cruelty or sightings during Naga Panchami, contact: Telangana Forest Department: 1800 4255 364, GHSPCA: 88867 43881, 93945 78568, PFA: 94901 49601