Veterinary surgeons at Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar, successfully performed surgery on a two-year-old Indian cobra after removing a plastic bag and a piece of metal from its stomach, giving the reptile a new lease of life and drawing attention to the growing threat of plastic pollution to wildlife.
The injured cobra was brought to the university’s veterinary clinic by snake rescuer Gaurav, popularly known as “Snake Man”, after it was found in distress. According to Gaurav, the snake had accidentally swallowed a polythene bag along with a metal object.
Veterinary surgeon Dr. Sandeep Saharan carried out the surgery and successfully removed both foreign objects from the cobra’s stomach. Doctors said the snake’s life could have been at risk had the treatment been delayed.
The cobra, estimated to be around two years old, had also sustained injuries after becoming trapped inside a pipe before it was rescued.
Following the surgery, Gaurav said the reptile would remain under observation for 14 days before being released into its natural habitat.
“The cobra will be kept in a secure enclosure and provided only water during the recovery period, as snakes generally do not feed while recovering and hunt their own prey after being released into the wild,” he said.
LUVAS Public Relations Officer Dr. Nilesh Sindhu said the university had earlier conducted successful surgeries on two other snakes as part of its wildlife rescue efforts.
Highlighting the environmental concern, Gaurav urged people to dispose of plastic waste responsibly.
“Plastic pollution is proving fatal not only for humans but also for birds, reptiles and other animals. People should dispose of plastic waste responsibly to protect wildlife,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gaurav said he had received reports of snakes being spotted in Sectors 9 and 11 of Hisar and was proceeding to the locations to safely rescue the reptiles and prevent any harm to residents.