Udupi student rescues snake, flags forest dept helpline failure in letter to CM
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Udupi: A class 10 student from Udupi is winning hearts for bravely rescuing a snake that entered his home at Kukkikatte, despite not knowing whether it was venomous or not. However, what followed left him disappointed: a complete lack of response from the forest department's wildlife helpline.
Deepesh Deepak Shenoy, 14, a student of TA Pai English Medium High School, Kunjibettu, and a member of the Bharat Scouts and Guides (Udupi unit), said the incident took place on June 8 at around 2.24pm, at his residence in Udupi. Deepesh is the son Deepak Shenoy, a finance consultant and Deepa, a tax consultant.
In an email addressed to the chief minister, forest minister, and deputy conservator of forests (DCF), Deepesh recounted how he drew on his training as a Scout to respond calmly when a small snake slithered into his house, causing panic among his elderly grandparents, mother, his younger brother and a cousin.
"I kept a cool head and, using the guidance I received as a Scout, carefully caught the snake and secured it in a ventilated box, ensuring safety for both my family and the animal," he said.
Deepesh, with the help of his father, immediately contacted the wildlife helpline (1926) and was redirected to the local range office. Despite repeated calls, sharing photographs and details, and highlighting the risk to senior citizens in the home, no official assistance was provided, he alleged.
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Frustrated, he tried to lodge a complaint via the helpline, but it was refused. "This total breakdown in response has shaken our faith in the department responsible for safeguarding both people and wildlife. If this is the norm, citizens may hesitate to seek help in such situations, potentially leading to fatal consequences," he warned.
By late afternoon, with no support arriving, Deepesh took it upon himself to release the snake safely after confirming its identity through a local wildlife expert. It was a buff striped keelback, a non-venomous species.
Deepesh has now sought an inquiry into the negligence of the concerned forest department officials, urging authorities to ensure that wildlife rescue protocols and helplines function effectively during emergencies.
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