Neelu Jyothi Ahuja Is Developing An AI-Driven Solution For India's Snakebite Crisis

India faces a serious snakebite crisis, with thousands of cases reported every year, particularly in rural and tribal areas. States like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Gujarat have a high burden of snakebite deaths, studies show. The World Health Organisation calls snake envenoming a "critical yet neglected global health issue" that disproportionately afflicts impoverished societies with limited access to medical resources.

To tackle this long-standing crisis, Neelu Jyothi Ahuja, a Dehradun-based computer science professor, is developing an innovative solution. She is leading a groundbreaking project to develop an artificial intelligence-based snake-trapping device. The aim is to not only safeguard communities from snake envenoming but also contribute to conservation efforts.

Ahuja's approach leverages machine learning and computer vision to identify venomous snakes in real-time and capture them so that they can be relocated to their natural habitat. "This promotes a balanced human-wildlife relationship by reducing fear-driven killings and preventing unnecessary human-snake encounters," she said in an interview with SheThePeople.

Ahuja explained how her AI-powered snake-trapping device works, the inspiration behind this project, and her goal of contributing to wildlife conservation and venom research. She also detailed her distinguished career in STEM and Research & Development, sharing the triumphs and challenges that shaped her journey. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

Neelu Jyothi Ahuja In Conversation With SheThePeople

STP: Briefly introduce yourself – your background and professional journey.

Ahuja: I am Neelu Jyothi Ahuja, a Professor and Associate Dean (Academics) at the School of Computer Science, UPES, Dehradun. With over 24 years of experience in academia, research, and leadership, I have dedicated my career to advancing the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Intelligent Systems.

My journey began with a PhD in developing a rule-based expert system for seismic data interpretation, and since then, I have spearheaded numerous government-funded R&D projects worth over ₹1.5 crores, focusing on real-world applications of AI. Under my guidance, 11 scholars have completed their PhDs, and 5 are currently pursuing their research. I am passionate about innovative teaching, curriculum development, and mentoring the next generation of leaders in STEM.

For me, leadership is not about titles; it is about building ladders where others see walls.

My work has been recognised with accolades such as the Himalayan Nari Shakti Award, Leading Women Researcher Award, Outstanding Contributor in the Field of Education and Research, by the Govt. of Uttarakhand, inspiring me to continue pushing boundaries in education and research.

STP: How did you decide to develop the AI-based snake trapping? Is there a story behind this project?

Ahuja: Observing numerous snakebite cases made us investigate the issue more closely, and we found that, according to the WHO, around 5 million snakebites occur annually, disproportionately affecting poor and marginalised communities. The problem is especially critical in rural and agricultural regions, where snakebites pose a serious socioeconomic burden, often leaving victims with permanent tissue damage and psychological distress.

India bears the highest toll, with 1.2 million deaths recorded between 2000 and 2019 and 137,000 disabilities annually.

Recognizing its severity, the WHO classified snakebites as a Neglected Tropical Disease in 2009 due to their widespread yet overlooked impact. Some DIY methods for capturing snakes have been observed, but they are very risky for both humans and snakes.

The idea for the AI-based snake trapper was born out of a deep concern for the human-snake conflict that plagues rural and tribal communities in India. Every year, thousands of lives are lost or disrupted due to snakebites and traditional methods of snake capture often endanger both humans and the snakes. I wanted to create a solution that was not only effective but also humane and sustainable. I wondered why human life should matter less and why AI applications should have any boundaries.

The inspiration came during a field visit to a rural area, where I witnessed firsthand the fear and devastation caused by snake encounters. I realized that technology, particularly AI, could play a transformative role in addressing this issue. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for effective intervention, driving us to develop an AI-powered snake trapping and identification system.

By using deep learning and computer vision, our solution aims to reduce snakebite incidents, enhance response times, and promote human- wildlife coexistence, ultimately addressing this pressing public health and conservation challenge. 

With my expertise in AI and ML, I envisioned a device that could detect, identify, and safely capture snakes without harming them or the environment. This project is a testament to my belief that science and technology should serve society, especially the most vulnerable. I wrote this project under the funding scheme of the government's Department of Science and Technology and made a compulsive presentation before the eminent and learned expert committee. Eventually, the grant was sanctioned in 2023. I am grateful for the trust they had in me and resolve to deliver the best. 

STP: Briefly describe the project, how it is helpful to rural and tribal communities, and its role in human- wildlife relationships.

Ahuja: The AI-based snake trapper is a device that uses computer vision and machine learning algorithms to detect and identify snakes in real time. It is an interesting integration of convolutional neural networks with Adivasi ethno-herpetology. The initiative aims to provide a safe, efficient, and sustainable solution for handling snake encounters, empowering local Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. 

The tribal communities face several social challenges, such as technological backwardness, inefficiently delivered health services, employment, education, poverty, etc. It was observed that snakebite cases are very rapid in tribal areas compared to urban areas because they largely depend upon agriculture, forestry, and livestock rearing. They are mainly engaged in subsistence farming and depend on forests for fuel, food, and other resources. Lack of technical advancement, medical facilities, low literacy rate and limited source of income are the main factors for maximum snake bite loss in rural areas.

The Smart Snake Trapping Device is designed to attract snakes using a scent sprayed on artificial prey, simulating the presence of real prey. The snake can enter from any side of the inlet pipe of the trap but cannot escape because a non-return valve is present in all four pipes, which are on the four sides of the trap.

Once the snake is captured, an integrated camera captures its image, which is processed by an AI model, and then the GSM module sends an alert message to the nearest rescuers. This ensures the timely rescue and safe relocation of the snake to its natural habitat, far from human settlements, reducing human-snake conflicts and supporting venom extraction for antivenom production.

The training program for the ensemble and installation of the device is targeted to develop technical ground knowledge among the tribal community. This project is transformative for communities where snakebites are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. It also empowers local communities by giving them the tools to handle snake encounters confidently and responsibly. This promotes a balanced human-wildlife relationship by reducing fear-driven killings and preventing unnecessary human-snake encounters.

STP: How does this device contribute to wildlife conservation? What measures have been taken to ensure that the device does not disrupt local ecosystems?

Ahuja: The AI-based snake trapper is designed with wildlife conservation at its core. Unlike traditional methods that often result in the killing or injuring of snakes, this device ensures their safe capture and release. Snakes are essential for maintaining the ecological balance and food chain, and their decline could disrupt the entire ecosystem. With the help of this device, people no longer need to kill snakes if they are found in homes or settlements. Instead, the device enables the safe capture and relocation of snakes to their natural habitat, ensuring both human safety and wildlife protection.

To minimise disruption to local ecosystems, the device operates with precision and care. It uses non-lethal mechanisms and is programmed to identify only venomous snakes, reducing unnecessary captures. Additionally, the release locations are carefully chosen to ensure the snakes are returned to environments where they can thrive without posing a threat to human settlements. 
Some of the key considerations are:

• Non-invasive Design: The device is non-invasive, meaning it doesn’t harm or disturb the local flora and fauna. Minimal Power Requirements: It is battery-powered and solar-powered with low energy consumption, ensuring that it does not contribute to pollution or disrupt the ecosystem through energy use.
• Minimal Regular Maintenance and Monitoring: To ensure that the device continues to operate without adverse effects, a minimal, regular monitoring and maintenance schedule is maintained. This ensures that it doesn’t malfunction or cause unintended harm.

STP: In your view, how has the R&D landscape of India evolved over the years? What more can be done to strengthen innovation and advancements?

Ahuja: India's R&D landscape has seen remarkable growth over the years, with increased funding, infrastructure, and a focus on innovation-driven research. Initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission and Startup India have fostered a culture of entrepreneurship and problem-solving. However, there is still immense growth potential.

To strengthen innovation, we need to bridge the gap between academia and grassroots implementation, ensuring that research translates into real-world solutions. Increased investment in emerging technologies like AI, ML, and IoT, along with collaborative platforms for researchers, can accelerate advancements. Additionally, mentorship programs and policy support for women in STEM can unlock untapped potential and drive inclusive growth.

Over my 25-year journey in academia and R&D, I’ve witnessed India’s research ecosystem transform from a dependency on imported solutions to a culture of indigenous innovation. Today, young researchers are no longer content with theoretical excellence alone, they demand real-world impact. Initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission and Digital India have democratised access to resources, but the true revolution lies in the grassroots. For instance, during my DST-funded projects, I collaborated with tribal communities to co-design solutions—a shift from top-down to participatory innovation.

My work on the AI snake trapper proved that blending traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge AI can yield locally rooted solutions, which have the potential for global scaling-up. To strengthen innovation, India must invest in micro-entrepreneurship and cross-disciplinary hubs where engineers, sociologists, and farmers co-create. Let’s move beyond ‘lab to land’ to ‘land to lab, ’ where community needs to drive research agendas.

As someone who has secured 1.5+ crores in grants, I advocate for outcome-linked funding that rewards problem-solving and scalability, not just publications. The future of Indian R&D lies in inclusive excellence—where every innovator, regardless of gender or geography, has a seat at the table.

STP: What are the gender dynamics like in STEM, R&D, and the academic landscape in India? Have you personally faced any gender barriers or challenges in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Ahuja: While the gender gap in STEM and R&D in India is narrowing, women still face significant barriers, including limited representation, stereotypes, and lack of mentorship. Early in my career, I too faced challenges, such as being underestimated or overlooked in technical discussions. However, I chose to lead by example, focusing on my expertise and delivering high-quality work. 

That moment taught me a hard truth: Competence must be weaponised to dismantle bias.

I overcame these barriers by building a strong support network, seeking mentorship, and advocating for myself and other women in STEM. Today, as a leader, I actively mentor young women, encouraging them to pursue their passions and break stereotypes. I believe that empowered women empower women, and it is our collective responsibility to create an inclusive and equitable environment in STEM. We need more women in STEM who aren’t just ‘inspired’ but entitled to leadership. My mantra is: ‘Break ceilings, but leave behind ladders.’

STP: What has been your biggest takeaway or personal learning from working on this project?

Ahuja: My biggest takeaway from this project is the power of perseverance and the impact of purpose-driven innovation. Developing the AI-based snake trapper was not just a technical challenge but also a humanitarian mission. It taught me that technology, when aligned with empathy and vision, can transform lives and communities. Technology without humanity is just noise.

This project also reinforced my belief in collaborative problem-solving. From field researchers to AI experts, every team member brought unique perspectives, and it was this diversity of thought that made the project successful. Personally, this project reaffirmed that resilience is a team sport. Above all, it reminded me that innovation is not just about creating something new but also about creating something meaningful.

This project taught me that innovation is not a eureka moment—it’s a relentless pursuit of empathy. We pivoted from ‘removing threats’ to ‘facilitating coexistence,’ embedding cultural sensitivity into AI.

The most valuable learning from working on this project has been understanding the critical role of bridging technology with real-world conservation challenges. This project has deepened my understanding of wildlife conservation and the crucial role snakes play in ecosystems. Through discussions with conservationists and researchers, we learned how snakes help to maintain ecological balance. 

Another key lesson is the significance of collaboration. Working closely with researchers, forest officials, and local communities has shown that technology alone isn't sufficient. Human involvement and ethical implementation are crucial to ensuring that technology addresses the community’s needs effectively.