His work involves high-risk encounters with venomous species. These include the Levantine Viper, one of the most dangerous species in Kashmir. Manzoor has rescued at least 30 of them. He has also handled the Himalayan Pit Viper and the deadly Russell’s Viper. In one year alone, Manzoor rescued 196 snakes across multiple districts, an extraordinary feat for any individual working on the frontlines of wildlife response.
In the heart of Kashmir, where rivers wind between mountains and villages sit quietly under the shade of towering chinars, lives a man whose courage has become a lifeline for both people and wildlife. For more than twenty-seven years, Manzoor Ahmad Reshi, a resident of Ganderbal and a daily wager in the Wildlife Department, has been performing a task that most people would never dare to attempt. He is rescuing snakes.
Across Ganderbal, Srinagar, Bandipora, and Sopore, Manzoor has earned a reputation not just as a skilled rescuer but as someone who steps into fear-filled spaces with calmness, precision, and a deep sense of duty. To hundreds of households, he is the person they call in moments of panic. To the snakes he saves, he is the difference between life and death.
“After that first rescue, something changed in me,” said Manzoor. “I felt responsible for the safety of people and for the safety of the snake,” he further added.
Manzoor’s passion for snake rescue began unexpectedly in 2016, when he carried out his first relocation without any formal training. A frightened family in his locality had spotted a snake inside their home, and with no one else available to help, Manzoor stepped forward. He approached the situation cautiously, guided only by instinct and courage. That rescue ended successfully, and this marked the beginning of a lifelong calling.
His handwritten notes and the records reported in the newspaper reflect the scale and variety of species he has handled. Over the years, Manzoor has rescued an astonishing range of species with exceptional caution. Among the non-venomous category, his frequent encounters are with Rat Snakes. He has rescued nearly 800 of them. He has also relocated more than 200 Himalayan Trinket Snakes, which often enter homes looking for rodents. The shy Kukri Snake is another species he has rescued several times.
His work also involves high-risk encounters with venomous species. These include the Levantine Viper, one of the most dangerous species in Kashmir. Manzoor has rescued at least 30 of them. He has also handled the Himalayan Pit Viper and the deadly Russell’s Viper. In one year alone, Manzoor rescued 196 snakes across multiple districts, an extraordinary feat for any individual working on the frontlines of wildlife response.
Manzoor’s early learning was shaped by Ashok from Thajiwas, an experienced snake rescuer who introduced him to species behaviour, safe handling, and essential rescue techniques.
His work has taken him into almost every kind of space imaginable. “Each rescue is unique,” he said. While some snakes hide quietly in corners, others curl up behind furniture, under sacks of grain, inside storage rooms, or between stones in fields. Venomous species require even more caution because their behaviour can be unpredictable when threatened, he further explained.
He recalls spending nearly an hour rescuing a Levantine viper from a residential home in Ganderbal. “It was tense,” he says, “but the snake was safely removed and released back into the wild.” His willingness to respond at any time has earned him immense trust. Families often say, “Call Manzoor first,” before attempting anything themselves.
However, Manzoor’s work does not end with rescuing the snake. He believes that educating people is just as important as removing the animals from their homes. His experience has shown him that snakes are killed more often out of panic than out of actual danger.
To reduce fear, he regularly conducts awareness sessions for Wildlife Department workers, village residents, school children, and farmers. He teaches them how to identify common snake species, how to stay calm during an encounter, and what to do after a snakebite. Through Facebook, he posts rescue photos and videos that show safe handling techniques and explain the difference between venomous and non-venomous species.
“Snakes are not our enemies. They are part of the ecosystem. Panic leads to mistakes—awareness leads to safety,” he told TheRise.
Manzoor’s calm presence and professional approach have slowly changed attitudes. Residents who once feared snakes now call him before harming them, recognising their role in maintaining balance in nature.
Throughout his career, Manzoor has demonstrated courage, patience, and dedication. His work bridges the gap between two worlds that often collide—human habitation and wildlife movement.
Manzoor Ahmad Reshi’s story is one of silent service—built on skill, empathy, and a deep belief in coexistence. His efforts remind us that true heroes do not always stand in the spotlight. Sometimes, they stand quietly at the edge of danger, protecting both the frightened and the feared.
Farhan Nazir is a TRIP intern.
About the author
Farhan Nazir is a passionate wildlife enthusiast and Zoology postgraduate from the Central University of Kashmir. He is deeply committed to the study and conservation of nature. With a growing interest in biodiversity protection and ecological research, Farhan strives to blend scientific knowledge with on-ground action to safeguard fragile ecosystems and aspires to build a meaningful career contributing to wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.
