Teachers Set to Become First Responders in Snake Encounters in Kerala’s Schools
In a pioneering safety initiative, the Kerala Forest Department is providing one-day intensive training to school teachers to enable them to safely catch, handle, and relocate snakes found on school campuses. This programme aims to empower teachers to act promptly without waiting for external rescue teams, ensuring the safety of students and staff during snake-related emergencies.
Background and Need for the Programme
The training initiative is a response to increasing sightings of snakes in Kerala schools, particularly in the Palakkad district, which has reported the highest number of snake encounters and snakebite incidents in schools. The tragic death of a 10-year-old girl due to a snakebite at a school in Sultan Bathery in 2019 raised public concern over the readiness of schools to deal with such emergencies.
Training Details
The one-day training session is scheduled to be held on August 11, 2025, at Aranya Bhavan, Olavakkode, Palakkad, from 9 am to 5 pm.
It covers critical skills including:
Safe capture and relocation of snakes to prevent harm to both snakes and humans.
Accurate identification of snake species commonly found in Kerala to assess potential danger.
First aid measures and emergency response protocols for snakebite incidents.
The Kerala Forest Department will bear all costs involved in the training.
Participation is voluntary for teachers, with a plan to expand the programme statewide based on pilot success.
Programme Benefits
Enables immediate response to snake sightings, minimizing panic and injury risks by timely removal of snakes from school premises.
Reduces dependency on the Forest Department or SARPA team response times for snake rescues.
Empowers teachers to educate students on snake safety and awareness, fostering a safer school environment.
Contributes to overall reduction in snakebite incidents and fatalities in Kerala schools.
The SARPA Mission and App
The training is part of the broader SARPA (Snake Awareness, Rescue and Protection App) initiative by the Kerala Forest Department, which uses technology and community engagement to manage human-snake conflicts safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kerala Teachers’ Snake Handling Training
Q1: Why are Kerala teachers being trained to handle snakes?
To enable teachers to safely capture and relocate snakes found in schools promptly, protecting students and staff without waiting for external help.
Q2: Where and when is the training being conducted?
The pilot training is held on August 11, 2025, at Aranya Bhavan, Olavakkode in Palakkad district.
Q3: What topics are covered in the training?
The training includes snake species identification, safe snake handling and rescue techniques, and first aid for snakebite victims.
Q4: Is the training mandatory for all teachers?
No, participation is voluntary, but encouraged especially in districts with high snake encounters.
Q5: Why was Palakkad chosen for the pilot?
Palakkad reports the highest incidents of snake sightings and snakebites in schools among Kerala’s districts.
Q6: Who is organizing and funding the training?
The Kerala Forest Department organizes and funds the entire training programme.
Published on: August 2, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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