Tata Steel Mining’s ‘Snakes Are Friends’ campaign debunks myths and misconceptions

– Sensitising communities on ecological significance of snakes
– Farmers, Asha, Anganwadi workers and PRI members attend the awareness session
Bhubaneswar: Continuing with its unswerving commitment and steely resolve to work towards preservation of the ecosystem and environment, Tata Steel Mining organised ‘Snakes Are Friends’ campaign at its Sukinda Chromite Mine campus located in Jajpur district of Odisha on Thursday. The campaign aimed at raising awareness about snake conservation and promoting coexistence between humans and the reptiles.
The day long programme, emphasized on the ecological significance of snakes and the vital role they play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The programme also focused on practical aspects of snake conservation, including measures to be taken when encountering a snake in the wild or near residential areas.
As part of the campaign, the company had roped in Bhubaneswar-based voluntary organisation “Snake Helpline” to educate employees, their family members, frontline workers from sanitation, horticulture and security departments and community health workers like ASHA and Anganwadi workers, farmers from the region, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members and media persons at the program. Around 100 participants had joined the sensitisation session.
During the interactive session, Subhendu Mallik, General Secretary and founder of ‘Snake Helpline,’ popularly known as the snake man of Odisha, debunked common myths and misconceptions surrounding snakes while shedding light on their important contributions to our natural environment. He also educated the attendees on the appropriate methods of handling snake encounters, the importance of seeking professional help, and the benefits of promptly reporting snake sightings to relevant authorities.
Speaking on the occasion, Pankaj Satija, Managing Director, Tata Steel Mining, said, “We believe in the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting wildlife. Through the ‘Snakes Are Friends’ program we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the shy and reclusive species, while encouraging a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.”
The event underscores Tata Steel Mining’s commitment towards preserving biodiversity, environmental stewardship and served as a platform to address the concerns and questions of attendees regarding snakes and their habitats, further fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy towards these often-misunderstood creatures. This campaign will have more such awareness sessions involving the communities in regular intervals.