Overview

• Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on July 24 that Sarpa Mitras will receive official ID cards and Rs 10 lakh accident insurance to recognise their service.
• A detailed SOP is being prepared to streamline the issuance of identity cards and insurance benefits and to codify rescue operations.
• A formal recommendation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will request classification of snake rescuers as frontline workers under essential services and disaster response.
• The Maharashtra Forest Department is building an online portal to list certified snake rescuers and provide verified contact information for faster emergency response.
• The initiative seeks to enhance rescuer safety, acknowledge volunteers’ bravery and strengthen human-wildlife conflict management and conservation efforts.