Journalism of Courage
After sighting of a leopard on the premises of the Pune International Airport on November 19, a joint field visit of Forest Department, Indian Air Force officers was conducted at the site where the animal was spotted. Officials said that a thorough inspection of the various tunnels in that area was done and that the Indian Air Force has now completely sealed these tunnels.
This latest sighting came months after a leopard was sighted on the Pune Airport premises in April earlier this year prompting a search operation at the time. The Forest Department had at the time held meetings with the Indian Air Force authorities and asked them to exercise caution in their operational and residential enclaves.
“On Monday morning, a joint field visit was conducted in the Pune Airport area regarding the leopard sighted recently. The visit included Assistant Conservator of Forests, Pune, Mangesh Tate; from the Indian Air Force Wing Commander YS Singh, Range Forest Officer Suresh Varak, Round Officer Sheetal Khendke and Pramod Raskar; and representatives from ResQ Charitable Trust — Kiran Rahalkar and Ninad.” said a press statement from Forest Department.
“During this visit, the joint team inspected the location where the leopard had earlier been spotted. Currently, three camera traps have been installed at the site. However, since the leopard was last seen there on the morning of November 19, it has not been captured on any of the camera traps. A thorough inspection of the various tunnels in that area was also carried out. The Indian Air Force has now completely sealed these tunnels, ensuring that the leopard is not hiding inside them. Nevertheless, there remains a high possibility that the animal may be sheltering nearby in the surrounding vegetation.” said Deputy Conservator of Forest Mahadev Mohite.
“It has therefore been decided that if the leopard is sighted again — either directly or through camera trap footage — further decisions will be taken regarding placing a trap cage and using appropriate methods for its safe capture.” Modite added. The leopard was sighted at 5.30 am and again at 7.40 pm on November 19 behind Bay Number 9 and in the vicinity of Taxi Link K4 at Pune Airport.
