Pune News: Rising leopard attacks force Maharashtra government to act
In a significant move to control the growing human-wildlife conflict in Pune district, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has announced that 50 leopards will be sent to Vantara, Gujarat, under a special wildlife management initiative. This decision comes after a troubling rise in leopard-related incidents that have claimed 16 human lives in the past year.
Speaking to the media after a high-level meeting at the State Legislative Building, Pawar said that the government has decided to propose a leopard sterilization program to the Central Government. The plan focuses on regions like Junnar, Ambegaon, Shirur, and Khed talukas, where leopard sightings and attacks have significantly increased in recent months.
Government allocates ₹40 crore for safety and control measures
To strengthen wildlife management and prevent further attacks, Ajit Pawar confirmed that the District Planning Committee has approved a budget of ₹40 crore for purchasing safety equipment and materials required for leopard control operations. This allocation is expected to improve monitoring, fencing, and rescue activities in the affected areas.
Pawar emphasized that the goal is not to harm the leopards but to ensure peaceful coexistence between wildlife and local communities. “The increasing leopard population has created fear among villagers. We must act responsibly to protect both humans and animals,” he said.
Human-wildlife conflict escalating across Maharashtra
The issue of leopard attacks is no longer confined to a few villages. According to local authorities, the problem has now started affecting nearby districts as well. In the last twelve months, 16 people have lost their lives in leopard-related incidents, creating widespread panic and prompting urgent calls for action from local leaders.
Former minister Dilip Walse-Patil raised the issue earlier this year, urging the state government to adopt immediate and long-term solutions. Responding to these concerns, Pawar convened the recent meeting to assess the situation and explore feasible strategies.
Direct consultation with the Union Environment Minister
During the meeting, Pawar personally contacted Union Environment and Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav to discuss the alarming rise in leopard numbers. The minister was informed about the situation in Pune’s four most-affected talukas.
“Minister Yadav advised us to prepare and submit a detailed proposal to the Centre regarding leopard sterilization,” Pawar revealed. “We have already begun working on this plan, which will include scientific methods and expert consultation to ensure the safety and health of the animals.”
50 Leopards Will Be Sent to Vantara as part of the wildlife relocation project
As part of the broader wildlife management initiative, Pawar announced that approximately 50 leopards will be sent to Vantara, Gujarat — a large-scale animal rehabilitation and care center known for its conservation work. The “Vantara Project” is designed to provide a safe and natural habitat for rescued or relocated wild animals, helping to reduce pressure on regions facing excessive wildlife populations.
This move is expected to bring much-needed relief to villagers who have been living in constant fear of leopard attacks. Officials said that experts will oversee the safe capture and relocation process, ensuring that the leopards are not harmed in any way.
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Balancing conservation and community safety
Wildlife experts have often pointed out that rapid urban expansion and shrinking forest areas are major reasons behind the growing man-animal conflict in Maharashtra. Leopards, once confined to dense forests, are now frequently spotted near farms and residential areas in search of food.
The sterilization program, if approved by the Centre, will be implemented carefully to maintain the ecological balance while preventing uncontrolled breeding. According to officials, sterilization is a humane and effective way to manage leopard populations without endangering their survival.
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A proactive step towards coexistence
Ajit Pawar reiterated that the Maharashtra government remains committed to protecting wildlife while ensuring the safety of its citizens. “We cannot allow fear to dominate rural life,” he said. “The sterilization plan and the relocation of 50 leopards to Vantara are steps toward creating a sustainable solution that benefits both people and nature.”
The state government has also directed the forest department to conduct awareness campaigns in villages, educating residents about safety practices and ways to avoid encounters with wild animals.
With a combination of scientific management, central coordination, and community awareness, Maharashtra hopes to control the growing leopard conflict and restore balance between human development and wildlife conservation.