The Junnar Forest Division has implemented various measures to prevent leopard-human conflict, with the Solar Fencing Scheme emerging as an effective solution. This fencing delivers a mild electric shock that triggers an alarm, alerting the leopard and causing it to flee. Currently, six farmers in Junnar taluka and four in Shirur taluka have installed solar fencing around their homes, and these beneficiaries have reported significant benefits, with no leopard incidents occurring near their homes since the installation.
The forest department has selected 400 farmers in Junnar taluka, 200 in Shirur taluka, and 60 in Ambegaon taluka for this scheme, with plans for solar fencing installation in the near future. An administrative sanction of ₹1.5 crore has been granted under the District Annual Plan for Disaster Management for the scheme’s implementation. The plan aims to benefit a total of 660 farmers, with each beneficiary receiving assistance worth ₹22,500.
The solar fencing can secure an area of approximately half an acre around a house. Each solar fence costs ₹30,000, with 75% of the cost covered by the government and 25% borne by the beneficiary farmer. Under the 2024-25 District Annual Plan, this innovative scheme was conceptualised by Deputy Conservator of Forests Amol Satpute. So far, six farmers from Junnar taluka and four from Shirur taluka, who have each contributed ₹7,500 as their share, have successfully availed of the scheme.
Amol Satpute, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Junnar, said, "The solar fencing is highly effective in deterring leopards. Farmers who have installed it are experiencing significant benefits. To mitigate the risks of leopard attacks and potential loss of life in sensitive areas, more isolated homeowners need to adopt this fencing promptly."
