Mumbai: A Russell’s viper was rescued from the basement of the BKC station on Mumbai Metro Line 3 on Tuesday morning after security personnel spotted the snake and alerted wildlife rescuers.According to wildlife rescuers, the incident came to light around 7.47 am when security personnel at the station noticed the snake in Basement-2 near the A5 Audit Building exit and contacted the Wildlife Protection and Rescue Association (VAPRA).Snake rescuer Atul Kamble, who lives near Guru Nanak Hospital in close proximity to the BKC area, received the call and rushed to the station along with forest department officials. He reached the site by around 8.15 am and identified the reptile as a Russell’s viper (locally known as Ghonas), measuring approximately two to two-and-a-half feet in length.“The snake was found in a lethargic condition, curled up in a corner. It appeared dehydrated and weakened, possibly due to the prolonged heat before the onset of the monsoon,” said Kamble.Rescuers provided water to the snake, which reportedly drank immediately and regained some energy. The rescue operation was completed within about 30 minutes, following which the reptile was safely captured and removed from the station premises without causing any disruption to commuters or station operations.Forest officials later released the snake into its natural habitat in accordance with standard wildlife rescue protocols.Kamble said snake sightings are not uncommon in the BKC area because of its proximity to Mahim Nature Park. “Before Mahim Nature Park was developed, the site functioned as a dumping ground until around 2000. During that period, snakes rescued from different parts of Mumbai were often released at the Mahim dumping ground to help control the large rodent population there. ” he said.He added that the viper may have entered the station through drainage outlets, ventilation ducts or other service openings connected to the surrounding area. Kamble said further snake sightings in and around the station premises cannot be ruled out given its proximity to Mahim Nature Park and the onset of the monsoon season.
