Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken an unusual but significant step by proposing a statewide snake census. If carried out, it would be the first such initiative in India.

The challenge? There is currently no fixed method for counting snakes, especially in a large and diverse state like Madhya Pradesh. The Forest Department has now written to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun for expert advice and methodology.

Why a Snake Count?

This isn’t CM Yadav’s first focus on reptiles. In an earlier meeting with Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, he expressed concern over the disappearance of the King Cobra from Madhya Pradesh and suggested its reintroduction. Following his remarks, two King Cobras were brought from a South Indian zoo to Bhopal.

Yadav emphasized the importance of snakes at a recent meeting on forest conservation, stating that they are often ignored in wildlife surveys. He also mentioned receiving numerous public complaints about snake bites during his time as a district minister.

According to him, a census would help estimate the number of snakes, especially the venomous species, across the state.

Feasibility and Concerns

While the proposal is unique, experts question its practicality. R. Sriniwas Murthy, a retired IFS officer and wildlife expert, noted that animal counts are usually tied to conservation goals. For example, herbivores are tracked because they are prey for tigers. But there’s currently no known threat to snake populations, making this effort less urgent and logistically difficult.

A Conservation-Minded Leader

Still, Yadav’s commitment to wildlife protection stands out. Since taking office, Madhya Pradesh has notified two new tiger reserves and is planning a 600 sq km sanctuary in western MP.

As officials await guidance from the WII, the proposal shows that Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife agenda is expanding in new directions, with a never-before-seen focus on reptiles.