This is Prakashan who is 'Vava Suresh' for wasps; destroyed 2004 cages in 8 years

KANNUR: Seaching for Prakashan while seeing a wasp nest is similar to people calling Vava Suresh whenever they see a snake. 39-year old Pazhayangadi native Prakashan has destroyed 2004 wasp nests by putting his own life at risk in order to save others. He started doing this eight years ago and has been admitted to the Medical College Hospital three times due to wasp sting.

Two years ago, Narayanan, who was living near the Chemballikundu bridge in Pazhayangadi, died due to wasp bite and five people were hospitalized. Prakashan came to rescue during that time. He destroyed the nest using a spray given by fire force. The mission was a challenge. Prakashan is a strength for the forest department and the fire force.

He climbs trees wearing a jacket, gloves and helmet. Sprinkles kerosene or petrol around the nest. He would light a fire on the paper and throw it at the nest and turns away. Life is at risk if the job is not done properly. The body will also catch fire if not he does not get down quickly. The wasp may also attack. He has been stung several times and was twice treated in critical condition.

Wild wasps such as Bhoothapani, Chamundi and Pothen are dangerous. Failure to seek treatment within 10 minutes of the bite can lead to death. The nest which weighs 10 to 30 kg, can hold tens of thousands of wasps.