Madhya Pradesh: Displaying snakes on Nag Panchami will be costly, snake charmers are being monitored here
On the occasion of Nag Panchami, snake charmers do not miss the opportunity to take advantage of the religious sentiments and faith of the common people by talking about the importance of worshiping the snake god. They also do not hesitate to torture snakes for economic gain, but now preparations are being made to take strict action against those who do this in Madhya Pradesh. On the occasion of Sawan month and Nag Panchami, it is common to hear the sound of snake charmers’ flute in every street and locality. These snake charmers display various types of snakes and also demand a large amount on the pretext of worship by telling religious importance.
The forest department takes precautionary steps to prevent the catching and display of snakes on the occasion of Nag Panchami festival in the state. This time, a plan has been made to form a flying squad and do continuous patrolling to prevent cruelty to snakes as well as their display.
Catching and displaying snakes is a crime
Jabalpur Forest Division Officer Rishi Mishra said that catching and displaying snakes is a crime under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972. There is a provision of strict punishment for violating its sections and sub-sections. Snakes get injured while snake charmers catch them, their fangs break and they are unable to protect themselves, due to which many snakes also die.
Forest department running awareness campaign
Inciting a person to catch and display snakes also comes under the category of crime. An awareness campaign is being run by the Forest Department in the state. Its purpose is to stop the display of snakes, as well as to make the general public aware that display of snakes is not right, it is cruelty to them.
On the other hand, snake charmers are also being monitored so that they can neither catch snakes nor display them in this season. If snake charmers are found demonstrating, action will also be taken against them.
