Army Will Battle Snakes

The Haffkine Institute is all set to invent India’s first snake repellant. It will initially be for the exclusive use of the Indian Army. The Haffkine Institute is all set to invent India’s first snake repellant. It will initially be for the exclusive use of the Indian Army. A project report has already been submitted by the Institute to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Army, whose men are in constant danger of snake bites, is in dire need of such a product. Incidence of snake bites among soldiers is very high in Rajasthan, as they sit in bunkers for long hours. The repellent is a liquid whose scent will drive snakes away. “Primarily, the repellant index of both caged and wild snakes will be studied to ascertain the success of the product. Traditional wisdom will also be referred to in the development of the product,” says Dr Abhay Chaudhari, director of the Institute. The Institute is in the process of manufacturing a product whose effect will last for at least two to three days without harming the reptile. The behaviour of wild snakes will be studied using night vision cameras to ascertain the effect of the repellant.