In a pioneering move, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has introduced the ‘Sarpa-Mithra Volunteer System’ to protect both humans and snakes. This initiative forms part of the state’s broader HANUMA Project (Healing And Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid & Nursing of Wildlife), which focuses on wildlife safety and rehabilitation.
The program will train one volunteer in every village to safely handle snake rescues and administer first aid to snakebite victims. With over 3,500 snakebite incidents and around 350 fatalities annually, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between fear and awareness.
Why Andhra Pradesh Needs Sarpa-Mithra
Snakebite cases remain a serious but often neglected public health concern in rural Andhra Pradesh. During the monsoon season, snakes such as the Indian Spectacled Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Saw-Scaled Viper, and Common Krait frequently enter homes and farmlands in search of shelter.
Due to panic and lack of knowledge, many villagers kill snakes on sight. This not only endangers wildlife but also increases the risk of unassisted bites. The Sarpa-Mithra Volunteer System is designed to change this cycle of fear into one of safety and coexistence.
How the Volunteer System Works
The Forest Department will select and train village-level volunteers through workshops on:
- Safe snake handling and rescue techniques
- Snakebite first-aid protocols
- Community awareness programs
- Reporting and coordination with local authorities
Each trained volunteer will act as a first responder, ensuring timely rescue and medical support in their respective areas. This grassroots system enables rapid action in rural regions where professional wildlife help may take longer to arrive.
Protecting People and Wildlife Together
Officials emphasize that the Sarpa-Mithra program is not just about preventing deaths — it’s about creating mutual respect between humans and snakes. The volunteers will also play an educational role by teaching villagers the ecological importance of snakes in controlling rodent populations and maintaining balance in agriculture ecosystems.
The project also encourages the safe relocation of snakes rather than killing them, ensuring biodiversity preservation.
A Model for Other States
The Sarpa-Mithra initiative could soon become a national example for community-led wildlife protection. Andhra Pradesh’s approach integrating conservation, public health, and education — highlights how local empowerment can solve long-standing ecological challenges.
Experts believe that the success of this program could inspire similar models across India, particularly in states facing high snakebite mortality rates.
Government’s Vision and Future Goals
The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department aims to train thousands of volunteers in the coming months and establish an emergency helpline for snake rescues. Future plans also include equipping volunteers with safety kits, rescue tools, and mobile connectivity to report cases instantly.
Through the Sarpa-Mithra system, Andhra Pradesh envisions a safer, more aware, and wildlife-friendly community that coexists with nature rather than fears it.
