Mumbai: A highly venomous Russell’s viper, locally referred to as 'Ghonas', was discovered in the basement of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 BKC station premises on Tuesday morning. Security personnel noticed the snake, alerted rescuers, and it was safely removed. A video capturing the sighting and the rescue operation has since appeared online.
Details On The Rescue Operation
As per details provided by the rescue team, the incident occurred at approximately 7:47 am near the A5 Audit Building, located next to the Metro Line 3 station in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). MSF Security officials alerted wildlife rescuers after spotting the snake in Basement-2 of the facility.
After the information was received, the incident was promptly reported to the Mumbai Range forest authorities and the control room. Snake rescuer Atul Kamble hurried to the location to conduct the rescue operation despite heavy rainfall across the city since early morning. The team identified the reptile as a Russell’s viper, regarded as one of the most venomous snakes in India. The snake was estimated to measure approximately two to two-and-a-half feet in length.
The rescuer reported that the snake was discovered weak and motionless in a corner by a wall. It is believed that the reptile may have suffered dehydration and fatigue from the extreme heat over the past several days prior to the arrival of the rains.
Water Offered To The Snake By Rescuers
In an unusual scene during the rescue, the rescuer held a bottle close to the snake’s mouth to offer it water. According to reports, the snake began drinking right away, astonishing the staff on site. After drinking, the snake seemed more energetic and started emitting loud hissing noises, which rescuers compared to the whistle of a pressure cooker.
The rescue operation was carried out with great care, after which the snake was safely placed in a container and subsequently released back into its natural habitat in accordance with Forest Department guidelines. In the aftermath of the incident, staff members at the site were also briefed on snake behaviour and instructed on precautionary measures to follow during wildlife encounters.
Rescue authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant during the monsoon, as flooding in snake burrows frequently drives reptiles and other wild animals into residential and commercial zones. Citizens have been instructed not to panic or try to capture snakes themselves, but instead to reach out to trained snake rescuers or call the Forest Department helpline at 1926 if any wildlife is seen in the vicinity.
Snakes Found In BKC A Week Ago
The incident comes just days after seven baby pythons and a wolf snake were rescued from a utility duct near SEBI Bhavan in Mumbai's BKC after they emerged onto a pedestrian pathway on June 16. Acting on an alert from BKC Police, snake rescuers and Forest Department officials safely removed the reptiles. Authorities said all the snakes were non-venomous and were released into their natural habitat.