Leopard spotted near hamlet in Maharashtra's Kharghar Hills; Panvel Forest Department steps up patrols

Kharghar Hills. File pic

After reports of a leopard being spotted near a tribal hamlet in Maharashtra's Kharghar Hills, the Panvel Forest Department has intensified patrolling. The forest department has further launched awareness drives to ensure the safety of residents.

Range Forest Officer (RFO) Gajanan Panpatte, showing concerns about the leopard spotting in residential areas, confirmed that teams have been deployed across the area following the sighting.

"We have also conducted awareness drives among local residents on what to do and what to avoid if they spot the animal. People have been advised to inform the forest department immediately in case of any sighting," said Panpatte.

The range forest officer also noted that a similar sighting was reported around four months ago and urged citizens not to panic.

"Such instances do occur occasionally, and there is no immediate threat," he added.

Wildlife conservationist Rohit Mohite from NGO WWA said that leopard sightings at Kharghar Hills are not unusual during winter.

"This year too, we will be installing camera traps to monitor any leopard movement. As Kharghar Hills are connected to Karnala via Panvel, the presence of a leopard cannot be ruled out."

While cautioning residents against believing in unverified videos or viral images, Mohite also emphasised, "It is important to wait for photographic evidence before drawing conclusions. In the age of AI and social media, there is a risk of falling for fake videos that are being circulated to create panic. If residents come across such content, they should verify it with the forest department before believing in it or forwarding it."