Intro

Through awareness, education and safe rescue practices, WNCT’s Snakebite-Free Campaign hopes to transform Coimbatore, the Nilgiris and Tamil Nadu. 

Our Journey So Far…

For over a decade, WNCT has been dedicated to wildlife and nature conservation, with early snake awareness efforts dating back to 2012 under the leadership of its founder, Mr.Sadiq Ali.

Our initial focus was on snake rescues, understanding their behaviour, and promoting safe handling practices. Over time, this evolved into a community-wide mission to reduce fear, promote awareness, and build coexistence between people and snakes.

Human Animal conflict 

In the past three years, we’ve intensified our work in response to the sharp rise in snakebite incidents and preventable deaths in Coimbatore and the Nilgiris.

When people think of human–wildlife conflict, elephants, tigers, or leopards often come to mind.
In reality, snakes are responsible for the highest number of human deaths in such encounters.

Backed by a team of trained rescuers, educators, and volunteers with years of field experience, WNCT channelled its collective expertise into a focused strategy to reduce snakebite-related deaths in the region.

The Real Threat 

We realised that the biggest danger isn’t snakes themselves, but the lack of awareness and delay in seeking proper treatment.
This realisation gave birth to our campaign:

“ A Snakebite-Free Coimbatore and Tamil Nadu – Paambu Kadi Maranam Illa Kovaiyai Uruvakkalam.

The campaign’s twin goals are:

• Saving human lives, and
• Safely releasing snakes into suitable habitats when found in human-inhabited spaces.

Why Snakes Matter

Snakes are key indicators of a healthy ecosystem and nature’s most effective pest controllers, keeping rodent populations in check — pests that destroy crops and spread diseases.

Protecting snakes protects the balance of our environment.

Our Awareness Efforts

To reach every section of society, we designed campaigns targeting:

• Schools and colleges
• Tribal communities and farmers
• Corporate organisations and the general public

So far, we’ve conducted over 200 awareness programs and classes on nature and wildlife conservation, focusing on:

• Demystifying the “Big Four” venomous snakes
• Identifying venomous vs. non-venomous species
• Understanding what to do when a snake is sighted
• Following correct post-bite protocols, including immediate hospitalisation

The Impact 

Our combined efforts have led to a visible shift in community behaviour.

• There’s been a surge in rescue and identification calls
• People are choosing coexistence over conflict
• Communities are increasingly alerting trained rescuers rather than resorting to fear-driven actions

Encouraging Trends from CMCH

Data from the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) shows promising improvement:

• 2022: 976 patients treated | 40 deaths
• 2023: 40 deaths
• 2024 (Jan–Oct): 662 cases | 20 deaths

While multiple factors contribute to this improvement — including quicker medical response, community awareness, and ongoing public health initiatives — these positive trends align closely with the period of WNCT’s intensified outreach and education efforts.

Beyond statistics, the cultural change is unmistakable. The community now reaches out for safe identification and rescue instead of reacting with fear.

A Milestone Moment

On World Snake Day 2025, Honourable District Collector, Mr.Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar released our comprehensive guide:

“Paambugalai Arivom, Paambu Kadi Maranam Illa Kovaiyai Uruvakkalam”
(Knowing Snakes and Making Coimbatore Snakebite-Free)

Created by WNCT Coordinator Sirajdeen, this simplified handbook translates complex information on snake identification and life-saving first-aid steps into an easy-to-understand format.

In partnership with the Coimbatore Collectorate, WNCT continues to distribute this guide widely, ensuring that the path toward a snakebite-free Coimbatore is clear, inclusive, and community-driven.

Quote

“Saving lives begins with awareness. Every citizen can play a part in creating a snakebite-free Coimbatore.”
— Sadiq Ali, Founder, WNCT

Get Involved

Want to organise an awareness session in your community, school, or workplace?
Email us at info@wnct.in

Need Wildlife Rescue Help?
📞 Call the Tamil Nadu Forest Department at 1800 4254 5456

In Case of a Snakebite Emergency:
Proceed immediately to the nearest government hospital such as CMCH or GH Mettupalayam, both equipped with anti-venom and trained staff.

Local Snake Rescues:
Reach out to the WNCT team via +91-96550 23288, which works with a trained network of rescuers in coordination with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for safe handling and relocation.