On Tuesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a meeting to discuss the rising number of leopard attacks on citizens in the sugarcane belt of Maharashtra. It was during this meeting that the suggestion to revise school timings was accepted as an immediate measure
Over the past two months, more than a dozen people have been attacked by leopards, triggering fear and anger among residents. Representational pic
The timings of schools are set to be changed in areas facing frequent leopard attacks in Maharashtra.
To ensure that students travel during daylight hours, the state government has decided that schools will operate from 9.30 am to 4 pm, aiming to minimise the risk of encounters with leopards.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a meeting to discuss the rising number of leopard attacks on citizens in the sugarcane belt of Maharashtra. It was during this meeting that the suggestion to revise school timings was accepted as an immediate measure.
“Leopard movements usually take place at night time. Hence, ensuring that the movement of students is during day time will be safer,” Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said after the meeting.
Over the past two months, more than a dozen people have been attacked by leopards, triggering fear and anger among residents.
Tuesday’s meeting was attended by both deputy chief ministers — Pawar and Eknath Shinde. Several Mahayuti ministers, including Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, along with senior government officials, were also present at the meeting called to find a solution to human–leopard conflict.
The government has also agreed to allocate funds to purchase cages and other essential equipment to capture leopards seen entering or moving near human settlements.
“Two dedicated leopard centres are planned to house the captured animals,” Pawar added.
Meanwhile, the state will also explore whether it can seek permission to kill leopards identified as man-eaters or repeat attackers.
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