August 6: A large number of snakes of different species, including the deadly Cobras, were seized by wildlife officials following raids on snake-charmers' hideouts across the city early this morning.

The Thane Wildlife Division deputy conservator Nitin Kakodkar told Express Newsline that 150 snakes were seized after his officers carried out raids at Marol Market, Kalwa, Mumbra, Shahad and Kalyan. The rescued reptiles will be released in the wild after they are administered treatment.

``Raids were carried out after the officials and some naturalists collected information about the snake-charmers and their hideouts,'' said Kakodkar.On an average 2,000 snakes are killed during Nag Panchami in the metropolis each year.

According to naturalist Faizal Mujjawar, who assisted in the raids, 113 Black Cobras, 5 Spectacled Cobras, 10 Pythons, 5 Trinkets and 15 Red and Common Sand Boas were seized.

Between 200 and 400 snake charmers or `kalbellais' from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and places around New Delhi bring these snakes to Mumbai. They are then displayed in suburbs where worshippers of god Shiva offer them milk and other goodies.Wildlife officials said it is a myth that snakes like milk. Nor do they have ears to appreciate snake charmer's tunes. These misconceptions are perpetuated to fool naive people, particularly those with a religious bend of mind.

``This year efforts are centered around recovering a King Cobra - a rare and endangered specimen - which is on display in the city,'' said herpetologist Bhai Tarkar.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.