Udalguri-Sonitpur, Aug. 11: Tezpur has emerged as a major hotspot for python sightings and rescues in Assam, with four pythons rescued from the town and adjoining areas within two days, according to snake expert and wildlife rescuer Saurav Borkataki.
Borkataki said flooding in Kaziranga, Burha Chapori and Laokhowa during the monsoon often forces pythons towards Tezpur in search of higher and safer ground. Kalibari, JP Singh Ghat and Jahaj Ghat are among the areas where the reptiles are frequently spotted during the season.
He said shrinking wetlands and low-lying habitats had also increased the movement of pythons towards human settlements. Several wetlands around Tezpur have reportedly been filled for commercial establishments, while cattle sheds, goat-rearing facilities and temporary settlements have further reduced wildlife habitats.
“As the natural habitats of pythons continue to shrink, their movement towards human settlements and residential areas during the monsoon has increased,” Borkataki said.
He stressed the need to protect Tezpur’s natural drainage systems, wetlands and wildlife habitats, saying conservation was a shared responsibility.
Borkataki also noted that the Indian rock python is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Meanwhile, he rescued another python after receiving information that it had entered an NDRF workplace. Inspector Ajit Singh informed him about the snake and praised his contribution to rescue and public awareness.
NDRF personnel also appreciated Borkataki’s role in educating people about snakes and their ecological importance. Sub-Inspector Tapan Bora said his accessibility during emergencies had been valuable to the community.
The four rescues in two days have highlighted the increasing interaction between pythons and human settlements in Tezpur and the need to protect the town’s remaining natural habitats.
