Snake and menace
The Russell Viper is one of the largest venomous snakes in Asia. Recently, the snake bit a boy named Tanmay Keot in Tezpur. Naturally, the boy died because of a delay in treatment. Now the main matter of concern is that the Russell viper is not commonly available among the snakes found in Assam. A few years ago, around 2017, a man was bitten by a Russell viper while working in a field in the Bihaguri area of Tezpur. Since the Russell viper looks like a python, people don’t fear thinking it to be a non-venomous snake, so very few people have died from Russell viper biting in central Assam in recent years. Even many snake rescuers or environmentalists contend with the non-availability of this viper in Assam. But refuting their claims, it’s dangerously found in central Assam.
Now it’s the duty of the forest department and snake experts to organize awareness programmes in sensitive areas. First, common people have to recognize all kinds of deadly snakes available in our state. The rarely available venomous snakes have to be preserved in a sanctuary for people’s display. The duty of the wildlife department is not only to preserve animals but also to make people aware of possible dangers from any particular species based on their habits. Otherwise, this kind of shocking, heart-rending death will occur again and again.
Arup Saikia
(arupsaikia07@gmail.com.)
Tunnel rescue operation in Uttarakhand
The news of the 41 workers still stranded in the tunnel work should be an eye-opener for all. The project, being of national importance, has grabbed headlines and has also imparted some strategic lessons as far as safety is concerned. While applauding the efforts of the government to rescue the workers, it is worth mentioning that nobody can win over nature, and proper pros and cons should be studied before anything else. My prayers are for the successful rescue operation of all the stranded workers.
Purabi Pathak Barua,
Guwahati.