41 Pythons Rescued from Bandra-Kurla Complex in June Amid Rising Snake Sightings
Mumbai , 2nd July 2025: As many as 41 pythons were rescued from Mumbai’s bustling Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in June, raising concerns about the increasing presence of snakes in one of the city’s prime commercial zones.
The first complaint this month was received on June 4, when a python was discovered inside the air-conditioning duct of an office building. Since then, a series of rescues have followed, with ten pythons found near the Mithi River on June 25 alone. Rescue teams from the Resqink Association of Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) have been actively responding to calls and relocating the reptiles to forested areas.
According to wildlife experts, the monsoon season is the hatching period for pythons, during which they seek shelter in sewage drains and basements that offer warmth and humidity. Development activities in BKC are also believed to be destroying natural habitats, forcing snakes to venture into populated areas.
“Due to ongoing construction, their habitat is shrinking, so these snakes are increasingly entering human spaces,” said Pawan Sharma, director of RAWW.
One remarkable rescue involved a nine-foot-long female python and 22 eggs, found in a drain along the Eastern Freeway. The python was safely relocated after a medical check-up confirmed she was healthy. The eggs, however, were incubated under controlled conditions at RAWW’s rehabilitation centre. After nearly two months of monitoring, 22 healthy python hatchlings emerged and were later released into their natural habitat.
Other snake species such as ghoons and nannies were also rescued during this period.
Officials are urging residents and office-goers in the BKC area to remain alert and report snake sightings promptly. Wildlife experts continue to monitor the area closely, especially during the monsoon.
