Leopard Attacks: Urgent Action Needed in Pune

In the Junnar forest division of Pune, a worrying surge in human-leopard conflicts has resulted in the tragic deaths of three children in just two months. The latest incident involved an eight-year-old boy, Rohit Babu Kapare, who was killed by a leopard in Mangrul Pargaon village. This attack has led the Forest Department to seek permission to eliminate the leopard responsible for the tragedy.

Between October 12 and November 1, three deaths occurred in the region due to leopard attacks, including two children aged 5 and 13. These shocking incidents have sparked public outrage, with villagers protesting against the increasing danger posed by leopards. Protests included blocking major roads, such as the Belhe-Jejuri Road and the Pune-Nashik Highway, demanding urgent action from authorities.

In response to the community's anger following the death of 13-year-old Rohan Bombe, an angry mob even set fire to a Forest Department vehicle and local facilities. The situation escalated to the point where the Pune Forest Conservator obtained immediate permission to capture or eliminate the man-eater leopard after the November 1 incident. Shortly after, the leopard was shot dead, but the fear persists among local residents.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been closely monitoring the situation and has directed top officials to consider declaring the human-leopard conflict a state disaster. He has proposed moving leopards from Schedule I to Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act to enable more effective management of the situation. Additionally, he has called for the establishment of two more rescue centers for leopards in the Pune district.

Last year, incidents of human-leopard conflict led to eight deaths, and this year has already seen five more fatalities. Following the alarming trend, the forest department had previously issued a Red Alert for 13 villages in the Junnar taluka, advising residents to stay indoors during certain hours to avoid encounters with leopards.

The rise in human-leopard conflicts highlights the urgent need for effective wildlife management strategies that protect both people and wildlife. As the situation develops, it is crucial for authorities to implement measures that ensure community safety while also preserving the natural habitat of these majestic creatures.