Forest officials carried out awareness campaigns in Dindoshi after multiple leopard sightings, guiding residents on precautions and safe behaviour in wildlife-prone zone
SGNP teams conducted awareness sessions amid human-leopard conflict
Following leopard sightings reported over the past few days, teams from the south division of Sanjay Gandhi National Park visited the Pratibha Sankalp area in Dindoshi and conducted awareness sessions, explaining do’s and don’ts to residents.
The initial sighting on Saturday, March 14, had prompted locals to alert forest officials, after which a rapid response team, along with a veterinary officer, reached the spot and carried out an inspection.
Awareness drives were conducted to sensitise people about human-leopard conflict
Officials said awareness drives were conducted on March 15 and 16 across the society and neighbouring residential complexes to sensitise people about safety measures.
On Monday, March 16, fresh inputs were received about leopard movement behind Pratibha Society in Sankalp Complex and around nearby buildings. Similar alerts were also reported from parts of the Raheja complex, where residents reported the animal’s presence.
Forest officials said rapid response teams and field staff have increased patrolling in the area and are closely monitoring the situation.
Officials said leopard sightings along the periphery of SGNP and in Aarey Milk Colony are not unusual, with videos of such appearances frequently surfacing on social media.
Forest department officials told Mid-Day that a sighting does not indicate any immediate threat or conflict situation, noting that leopards have long been coexisting peacefully with humans in areas along the park’s boundary in Mumbai.
However, officials added that if a leopard is spotted, people should avoid provoking the animal, as any such action can lead to conflict.
Father-son duo injured in leopard encounter
Earlier on March 14, a father-son duo was injured in an encounter with a leopard near Kurar village, located adjacent to Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The injured were rushed to Shatabdi Hospital and are currently stable.
After the incident, the big cat hid in a trench. RFO Niket Shinde, along with the SGNP team and the NGO WWA, prepared a plan, and SGNP veterinary officer Dr Nikhil Bangar successfully darted the animal in less than an hour. The leopard was then shifted to the park’s rescue centre.
A source from the forest department said, “The leopard has been taken to the SGNP rescue centre for medical examination. It is an old female leopard with one of its canines broken.”
Forest department officials are expected to visit the area to assess the situation and sensitise residents about precautions in leopard-prone areas.
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