By Rick M 
In what seemed to be rather odd, a snake was found curled in a chair in a government office in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. This happened earlier today when staff members got to work and were unprepared for the situation that met them at the offices. Because they had entered inside they were shocked to find a snake sleeping on one of the office chairs as if it was waiting for them to come.
Later it was established that the snake was a non-venomous species; it had apparently found its way into the building during the night. Being on the chair, normally used by a top official, caused some rib cracking to be made about the reptile acting like an ‘officer’ for the day.
People heard the strange news that a serpent came to visit and many of them flocked to the site to get a glimpse of the serpent. It rapidly became the lead topic in the town, with most people wondering how the snake had penetrated into the interior of the secure government building without notice.
Residents called experts from the local wildlife to help in the administration of the snake. They came well prepared for the job with essentials and protective equipment required in the situation. A lot of attention and efforts were employed to trick catch the snake and the good news is that the experts did not harm the snake at all. The whole process was closely observed from outside of the building by government representatives and the gatheredcdeclinton.
This has caused much concern regarding the safety and general maintenance of government facilities in that region. Some of the nearby residents complained of the dangers that the wildlifepose if they are allowed to access the such installations. In response, authorities have appealed to the public that they will investigate the building for any gaps in the wall where the animals can enter and fix all such gaps.
This kind of event has also initiated discussions about human interactions with wildlife, in cities in particular. With cities growing into concrete jungles and developing on previously preserved areas the cases of wild animals crossing into zones dominated by people are only on the rise. People come up with the theme of coexistence as well as the aspect of greater attention paid to urban planning to contain the problem from affecting the wild animals.
The snake which was seen yesterday has not only entertained the people of Bharatpur through its appearance but has also iaured the people that the city is surrounded with a lot of diversified environment. Some residents have seen this as the best time to campaign for increased awareness of the wildlife species locally.
Since this event, local schools are contemplating using this event to teach children within their environmental curriculum of the animals in danger at their backyards.
When the news was circulated throughout the day, it made the round on social media whereby several people created memes and jokes regarding the event and the snake as a brief ‘government employee.’ In fact, some created some debate by saying, “May be this snake will do it better than the current holders of similar positions!”
Although the snake appeared at a very inconvenient time, the end result is one that is positive. It has somehow served as a wake up call to the people of the community especially regarding the” wildlife issue” along with issues to do with coexistence of wildlife and humans in cities.
The local officials have said that awareness programme would be conducted in the next few weeks where people will be informed on the different types of snakes in the region and the most paramount steps to take when one comes across wildlife in residential areas.
Just at the dusk of this exciting day in Bharatpur, the snake has been returned to its environment, away from the busy offices of Indian government. The event might however be memorable for years to come as people will never forget the day a snake was adopted by the government of Bharatpur as an ‘officer’.