Naagam app to list 100 snake rescuers; more to be trained in handling reptiles

As many as 100 snake rescuers from across Tamil Nadu have been selected for onboarding onto the Naagam app, a new mobile platform designed to streamline snake rescue operations and strengthen scientific data collection.

Unveiled in July 2025 by senior officials of the Forest Department, the app was meant to facilitate technology-driven wildlife rescue efforts in the State.

The Forest Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) to manage the application and conduct structured training programmes for rescuers.

At present, members of the public contact the Forest Department or the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service for wildlife emergencies.

The new app is expected to streamline rescue requests and ensure quicker response times, in addition to generating data to study rescue patterns and snake distribution.

Workshops conducted

So far, the MCBT has conducted workshops in Chennai, Madurai, Erode, and Coimbatore, and selected 100 rescuers with expertise in safe snake handling. Most of those chosen are volunteers, while others are Forest Department staff.

Ch. Gnaneswar of MCBT, who is leading the training sessions, said the app would become fully effective once an additional 50 to 100 rescuers — particularly from Tier-I and Tier-II cities — are onboarded.

Currently, access to the app is limited to trained rescuers, with new features being added ahead of the public launch.

The application is modelled after SARPA, Kerala’s snake rescue platform. However, Mr. Gnaneswar said Tamil Nadu was likely to receive a significantly higher volume of calls, possibly due to urbanisation and construction activities and construction creating more hiding spaces for snakes.

Greater public awareness in Kerala about venomous and non-venomous species could also contribute to differences in rescue call volumes.

A senior Forest Department official said selected rescuers must undergo a formal application process through their respective District Forest Officers. They would be officially onboarded after thorough vetting.

The app is likely to be fully operational in four months, before the onset of the monsoon season, when there is an increase in snake rescue calls.