Maharashtra: Leopard sightings near Sinhagad and Panshet trigger safety warnings

“The leopards have been spotted roaming in the area, likely drawn inwards by the recent birth of two calves. However, no one has been attacked until now except for a few incidents involving dogs. My rescue team and staff are actively engaged in the protection of both the wildlife as well as the residents. We have advised them to take special care, especially in the morning and evening and carry noise-making objects like ghungroos to deter the animals. In the rare event of an attack, fair compensation will be provided to the affected parties,” says Govind Langute, Range Forest officer, Velhe Range.

Incidents of leopard sightings have increased alarmingly with the Forest Department striving to mitigate any possible conflict. “Awareness programmes have been implemented in Sinhagad and adjacent areas to educate people not to tie their cattle outside and to avoid open defecation, as sitting in the open puts individuals at the same eye level as the leopard, increasing the risk of the attack. Leopards perceive standing humans as a threat due to their size and avoid attacking them,” says Manoj Borbole, Range Forest Officer Bhamburda (Pune Division’s Headquarter Range).

Several patrolling efforts and tracking cameras have been installed to monitor leopard movements to prevent further incidents. Borbole added, “We have implemented continuous patrolling and tracking cameras have been installed to track leopard movements in the area. Additionally, we are in constant communication with the locals regarding sightings, but there have been no such reports for the past 7-8 days.”

Leopard sightings and incidents in Pune have been escalating recently,particularly in areas like Daud, Shirur and urban areas of Pune.