Curious Case Of Satara's Preetisangam Garden: Cobra Spotted Near YB Chavan Memorial After 17 Russell's Viper Were Rescued

Just days after it was reopened following the capture of over 20 venomous snakes, Karad’s popular Preetisangam Garden has once again come under the spotlight after a cobra was spotted by a local visitor.

In the past three weeks, wildlife teams and snake rescuers had caught a total of 24 snakes in the garden — including 17 baby snakes of the Ghonas (Russell's Viper) species, 2 large Dhaman snakes (Oriental rat snake), 1 Trinket snake (Taskar), 2 Kukri (Oligodon) snakes, and 2 Cobras. Due to safety concerns for tourists and locals, the garden was temporarily shut for seven days. It was reopened to the public only recently.

However, on Wednesday morning, a visitor noticed a cobra slithering through the greenery and immediately alerted a nearby sanitation worker. The worker quickly contacted well-known local snake rescuer Bablu Lohana, who rushed to the scene without delay.

Thanks to Lohana’s swift response, the cobra was safely captured and later released into a secure forested area, away from human habitation.

Preetisangam Garden, located near the memorial of the late Yashwantrao Chavan, is a major attraction in Karad, drawing tourists from across Maharashtra. The recent wave of snake sightings — especially venomous species — has raised alarm among citizens and nature lovers.

Speaking to reporters, Bablu Lohana said, “This season has seen an unusual increase in snake activity, especially among the Ghonas species. We’re doing our best to rescue and safely relocate them, but visitors should stay alert and inform us immediately if they spot any snakes.”

Local authorities are expected to increase surveillance in and around the garden area and may consider additional safety measures to prevent future incidents.

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