Nashik: A leopard has been roaming freely across Igatpuri taluka, spreading an atmosphere of fear among farmers and villagers. In the Dhargaon area, a two-wheeler rider captured a video of the leopard on a mobile phone, which has since gone viral on social media. Consequently, it has become extremely difficult for farmers to venture into their fields at night, even for the purpose of watering their crops.
As the leopard regularly roams the Dhargaon area, farmers are terrified to enter their fields after dusk. The presence of the leopard has rendered farming activities and water management tasks virtually impossible. Villagers have repeatedly requested the Forest Department to install a cage; however, despite a week having passed since these requests were made, the department has yet to set up a trap. This inaction has sparked intense resentment among the local residents.
A second incident occurred in the village of Talogh. In the evening, the leopard entered the village and attempted to prey on a dog. However, upon spotting the leopard, villagers raised a loud alarm and rushed towards the animal. Startled by the commotion, the leopard fled back into the forest. This entire incident was captured on CCTV footage.
The villagers have demanded that the Forest Department take immediate action by installing a cage to capture the leopard. "The leopard is venturing into our villages with increasing frequency. It has become extremely dangerous to go to the fields at night to water the crops. The Forest Department must take immediate remedial action," the villagers have urged.
Over the past few months, there has been a surge in incidents involving leopard sightings and attacks across Igatpuri taluka. With the leopard roaming freely in areas such as Mukne, Wadivarhe, Talogh, and Dhargaon, a palpable sense of fear prevails among the farming community. Demands for the Forest Department to conduct regular patrols and install cages in this area have been gaining momentum.
Forest Department officials stated, “We are currently monitoring the leopard's movements. Cages will be installed shortly.” However, the villagers have not yet received any relief. Against the backdrop of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, there is also a growing sentiment that the Forest Department needs to exercise extra caution to ensure the safety of tourists and devotees.
