7 Jun 2009MUMBAI: The verdant and breezy township of Anushakti Nagar in Trombay is not just a cool retreat for nuclear scientists. Snakes of various hues and
sizes are also a common sight here, and sometimes a cause of concern.
Earlier this week, two highly venomous Russells vipers were noticed by the residents, and later successfully rescued by a regular snake catcher, R V Raghavan.
"Since January 2008, I have rescued close to 200 snakes (both poisonous and non-poisonous) from Anushakti Nagar, the residential complex for staff of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC),'' said Raghavan, who is a member of Plant and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS).
He added that with the onset of the monsoon, he will get a lot busier with snake rescue work. "The two Russells vipers caught this week are among the most poisonous varieties found here. Earlier, I have also caught other big snakes like cobras, kraits and several non-poisonous rat snakes from this township,'' said Raghavan.
Sunish Subramanian, founder-member of PAWS Mumbai, said that all rescued snakes are safely released in the Thane forest region. "Over 40,000 people stay at Anushakti Nagar in about 8000 flats, which include 17 highrises. Since the township is close to the forested hill area, snakes are a common occurrence. PAWS has advised residents to be alert while walking in the gardens and other green areas,'' said Subramanian. While grass cutters have been advised to always keep lawns and hedges trimmed, residents are also very alert.
Hemant Wagh of Dilwara building in the complex told TOI: "Recently, a poisonous snake was caught near our building. We are very careful even while walking on the internal roads, and tell our children not to play in thick vegetation.''
Apart from snakes, the long-tailed macaque monkey is also commonly seen in this area.
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