Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 13: In the wake of three tragic deaths reported in October due to leopard attacks in Pune district, the Maharashtra government has initiated several urgent measures to curb the rising human-wildlife conflict. The State has also forwarded a proposal to the Central government seeking approval for a sterilisation campaign to control the leopard population.
State Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar and Animal Husbandry Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil have assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation. Forest officials have been directed to deploy additional personnel and equipment in sensitive zones.
Meanwhile, Minister Uday Samant Naik stated that the administration would not hesitate to act against man-eaters. “Shoot the leopard on the spot if it has become a man-eater. We cannot be silent spectators to the fear gripping the villagers,” he said, stressing that unsterilised leopards could increasingly stray into residential areas.
As per government data, there are between 1,300 and 1,500 leopards in Pune district. To strengthen containment efforts, the Forest Department plans to install 200 cages immediately and procure another 1,000 to trap and relocate leopards deep into forest areas. “We are also in touch with Vantara authorities and forest representatives from other states to explore the possibility of transferring captured leopards,” Naik added.
The minister further revealed that the State government is working on integrating artificial intelligence and satellite imaging to issue real-time alerts and track leopard movements, ensuring timely public warnings.
The crisis escalated earlier this month when enraged villagers set fire to a Forest Department patrol vehicle and base camp building after a leopard mauled a 13-year-old boy to death in Shirur taluka — the third fatal incident in recent weeks. The earlier victims included a five-year-old child and a 70-year-old man, sparking outrage and protests across the region.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while expressing grief over the deaths, said that the State had sent a proposal to the Centre seeking permission under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to eliminate leopards that have turned into confirmed man-eaters. He also reiterated the government’s plan to implement a sterilisation programme alongside capture and relocation drives to prevent further incidents.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with rescue teams as efforts continue to restore safety in the affected areas.