A decision to allow the capture of the Schedule II wild species — the Indian Spectacled Cobra — for Nagpanchami celebrations in Battis Shirala village, Sangli district, has drawn sharp criticism from wildlife conservationists. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) granted permission to the Sangli Forest Department to capture 21 male Indian Spectacled Cobras for a five-day period from July 27 to July 31, citing educational purposes.

The Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) of Maharashtra had sought permission under Section 12 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, to capture the snakes from the Shirala Forest Range in Sangli. On July 27, Dr Surabhi Rai, deputy inspector general of Forests (Wildlife) at MoEF&CC, approved the request through a formal letter addressed to the CWW, laying out specific conditions for the activity.

“The selection and identification of specimens shall be done by the chief wildlife warden (CWLW) or an officer authorised by him. The capture, release, and educational activities must take place in the presence of local forest and wildlife officials," stated the letter.