Way back in 1986 with assistance from the Pune Municipal Corporation renowned herpetologist Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire created The Katraj Snake Park that was later to be known as The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. This unique park helps nests approximately 160 species of snakes and reptiles. His love for wildlife and especially his deep interest and passion on the subject of snakes led him to be the first Indian to start an Animal Orphanage almost 33 years back in Pune. Meet this courageous man who also has a unique record of spending 72hours with 72 deadly snakes, Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire in Ekla Chalo re on Sunday 28th Feb 2014, 12 noon & 8 pm exclusively on IBN-Lokmat.
Mr. Khaire, a diploma-holder in catering, fell in love with the reptiles during his stint with Maharashtra Tourism Department. Not many other animals could invoke as deep emotions of revere and fear, as snakes do and to remove this fear from people’s mind Mr. Khaire entered a glass house cabin at Pune's B.J. Medical College sports ground which had 72deadly snakes, and the proceeds from his feat went towards setting up the snake park.
After successfully working for wildlife, veteran herpetologist Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire has now decided to create environmental awareness among rural kids, by setting up a school dedicated to nature, at Waksai in Maval taluka, about 40kms from the city of Pune.
The man behind the famous snake park and animal rescue center at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park will now work with rural folks to find a solution to social and ecological problems. The school has been named the Uttara School of Environment, Rural Development and Extension and the Indian Herpetological Society (IHS) has collaborated with Mr. Khaire. Tune into Ekla Chalo Re and hear about Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire’s exciting life this Sunday 28th Feb 12 noon & 8 pm exclusively on IBN-Lokmat.