Leopard park to be chalked out in Gurgaon as man-animal conflict increases

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Commissioner, DFO, and wildlife officers. “Leopard straying into human habitation areas has become increasingly common over the past few years, and this park would ensure that leopards and other animals have a proper habitat. The motive is to conserve the leopard population, which is 20-25 in the region, while the later stages of the project could also include measures to provide people with touristic activities,” said Rajesh Chahal, a wildlife inspector, who was a part of the meeting. He added that they limited the current project to Gurgaon area as they were wary of the territorial behaviour of leopards.

“The Aravallis of district Gurgaon and Faridabad are still rich in biodiversity and a variety of wild animals are still found in the area including Leopard, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Rusted Spotted Cat, Roj (Neel Gai), Civet cat, Hare and rabbits, Python and various kind of reptiles and small animals. There is utmost need to preserve the existing natural resources of the region. It is most important to avoid man-animal conflict in the abutting areas involving local communities by promoting regulated and sustainable eco-tourism activities,” the minutes of the meeting stated.

Meena suggested that an exposure tour may be conducted to Jhalana Leopard Safari Park, Jaipur, and Amagarh Leopard Reserve. The Aravalli forest of Mangar (Mangar Bami) is also located on this 15-km trail.

As part of the project, it was decided to carry out a detailed study of Aravallis by the end of this financial year. Aravalli Rejuvenation Board was asked to prepare an action plan based on the study report. It was also suggested that water holes be developed, and solar pumps be installed for water supply in water holes. Grasslands and plantation of indigenous species will be ensured after removal of bushes of Kabuli Kikar (Procopis juliflora). Erection of watch towers and viewpoints, inspection paths, installation of camera traps and CCTV integrated with Integrated Command Control of GMDA have also been discussed. Once the facilities are developed, a Gypsy Safari will be initiated.

Meanwhile, a former forest department officer said that Gurgaon’s infrastructure and shortage of water would make it difficult for the project to materialise. It’s not feasible to develop such a trail as Gurgaon is not favourable to maintain such a park, he said, adding that Rajasthan’s conditions are different from that of Haryana’s.

Amid the man-animal conflict cases in the region, a man and two children sustained injuries in what they claim to be a leopard attack at Jaisinghpur village in Haryana’s Nuh on Wednesday. In July this year, while he was out herding cattle on Thursday evening, a man found what he thought was a pair of kittens in the ruins of an old fort in the hills of Kotla village in Nuh. After dogs started barking at the cubs, he took them home where he gave them goat’s milk. He realized later that they were leopard cubs. The wildlife department team released them back into the hills. In 2017, a leopard that strayed into a Gurgaon village was beaten to death by villagers, as forest department officials watched helplessly.