Cages in place, drains covered at airport to nab elusive leopard

The minister said the forest department closed all drains, which could be possible hiding places, at the airport with nets. “The forest department has also set up cages for catching leopards. The area has also been cleared of things that could be a potenital food source for leopards. The boundaries of the airport have been sealed,” he added.

Mohol said a discussion was held to keep a check on the entry of domestic or stray animals at the airport premises.

“There are chronic garbage spots at the airport premises that becomes sources of food for stray animals and birds. As a result, there have been bird hit incidents at the airport,” he said.

Mohol said the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been instructed to demarcate spots around the airport from where regular moitoring can be conducted. He added that he has told authorities to remove illegal encroachments in the vicinity.

The PMC recently demolished 17 structures that were illegally constructed in the restricted area of the airport in Lohegaon. A survey was conducted under the Bombay High Court’s directions to ascertain illegal constructions in the restricted area of the airport.