Naagam App for Snake Rescue in Tamil Nadu

Digital Initiative for Snake Rescue

Naagam App for Snake Rescue in Tamil Nadu: The Naagam App is a new mobile-based platform launched to streamline snake rescue operations in Tamil Nadu. It was unveiled by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department in July 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen technology-driven wildlife rescue and improve coordination among trained rescuers.

The application will initially onboard around 100 trained snake rescuers across the State. These rescuers will be connected through the digital platform, enabling faster reporting and response to snake sightings in urban and rural areas.

Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu has a rich reptile diversity and is home to several venomous species including the Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait and saw-scaled viper, collectively known as the “Big Four” snakes of India.

Technology-Based Wildlife Management

The Naagam App allows forest officials and trained rescuers to record details of snake rescue operations in real time. Information such as the location, species identified, time of rescue and release location will be digitally recorded through the platform.

This system improves coordination between the public, snake rescuers and forest officials, reducing delays in rescue operations. The collected data will also help authorities build a scientific database on snake distribution across the State.

The initiative highlights the increasing use of digital technology in wildlife management, which helps authorities respond quickly to human-wildlife conflict situations.

Static GK Tip: India has more than 300 species of snakes, but only a small number are venomous. Many snakebite incidents occur due to lack of awareness and delayed medical treatment.

Inspiration from Kerala Model

The Naagam App has been modelled after SARPA, the snake rescue platform successfully implemented in Kerala. The SARPA system connects trained snake handlers with forest authorities and helps manage rescue calls efficiently.

By adopting a similar system, Tamil Nadu aims to build a structured network of certified snake rescuers who can respond quickly when snakes enter residential areas or public spaces.

Such platforms also ensure that only trained rescuers handle snakes, preventing injuries to both humans and reptiles.

Importance During Monsoon Season

The monsoon season often leads to an increase in snake sightings as flooding and habitat disturbances force snakes to move into human settlements. During this period, rescue calls typically rise significantly.

The Naagam App is expected to become fully operational within four months, before the onset of the monsoon. This timing will help authorities manage the surge in rescue requests more efficiently.

The data collected through the platform will also help researchers study snake movement patterns and habitat distribution across Tamil Nadu.

Strengthening Conservation and Awareness

Apart from improving rescue response time, the app will help build a scientific database of snake populations in the State. This information can support wildlife research and conservation planning.

By documenting rescue incidents and snake species distribution, the platform contributes to better biodiversity monitoring and promotes safe coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The initiative also encourages public awareness about snake conservation, reducing fear and preventing unnecessary killing of snakes.

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Naagam App for Snake Rescue in Tamil Nadu: