Pune: Forest Department Sets Up Rapid Action Team in Gawadewadi, Ambegaon Taluka to Tackle Leopard Menace

While human deaths resulting from attacks by big cats are rare, an analysis by the State Forest Department has recorded several deaths due to human-leopard conflict in the last three years in Junnar, Ambegaon, Shirur, and Khed talukas in Pune district. Due to this rise in human-leopard conflicts in Junnar, the Forest Department has expanded awareness sessions and organized an event in Gawadewadi village, Ambegaon Taluka, where 40 shepherd families were provided with safety tents and 100-watt solar lights free of cost. The initiative, conceptualized by Deputy Conservator of Forests Amol Satpute, aims to enhance safety measures for the community while fostering coexistence with wildlife.

Tents and Solar Lights Distributed

Amol Satpute, Deputy Conservator of Forests, handed over the safety kits to 35 shepherd families. The program began with an introduction by Forest Range Officer Vikas Bhosale, who explained the significance of the safety tents and solar lights. The tents come with necessary assembly kits, and the solar lights are designed to provide adequate illumination, reducing the risk of leopard attacks during nighttime.

Amol Satpute highlighted that, "As part of the broader initiative, a Leopard Rapid Action Force has been established to address emergencies related to leopard sightings, rescues, and attacks. This team will operate 24/7 to ensure immediate assistance to the community. Additionally, the team will conduct awareness campaigns to educate people on precautionary measures, such as maintaining clean surroundings, ensuring proper lighting around homes, and avoiding open defecation."

Assistant Conservator of Forests Smita Rajhans urged the shepherd community to make effective use of the distributed safety tools for personal and family protection. "The importance of staying vigilant and adopting preventive measures to minimize conflict with leopards is very important. Short- and long-term measures include the distribution of safety kits and the establishment of the Rapid Action Force. Long-term plans involve sterilization of leopards to control their population, expansion of the Leopard Rescue Center, and installation of solar fencing around homes in conflict-prone areas."