Sapera Community Deprived of Reservations

Uttar Pradesh’s (UP) Sapera (snake charmer) community is struggling to transition to an alternate profession as their traditional craft declines in light of the changing environmental laws, societal tastes, and modern technologies.

The nomadic community turned towards education to equip themselves with professional skills as the government began enforcing the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 more strictly at the turn of the century, mainly in the urban areas. The act outlaws the keeping of wild animals such as snakes for commercial and sustenance purposes.