Pune: Leopard Sightings Rise Near Sinhagad Fort, Sparking Fear Among Villagers
Sinhagad, 27th June 2025: A surge in leopard sightings near the historic Sinhagad Fort has left villagers in surrounding areas anxious and fearful. Though no attacks on humans have been reported, locals are worried as wild animals increasingly stray closer to human settlements.
Residents of villages like Bhorwadi and Kalyan have demanded urgent action from the Forest Department. Leopards have been spotted roaming near cowsheds and temples, prompting several incidents that have raised alarm in the community.
Shrikrushna Bopte, a resident of Ambed village, said, “We set up a camp near our village after noticing more wild animal activity. In just ten days, three cows were killed. Later, we even captured a wild boar on video near the roadside. Villagers believe at least two leopards are active in the area.”
Other villagers reported spotting leopards while walking near the riverbanks, while a group of young men staying overnight at the Karanjai Mata temple recorded a leopard moving through the area at night.
Datta Jorkar, a local panchayat member, highlighted the broader safety concern, “The number of leopards around Sinhagad is growing. Many tourists visit the fort because of its historical importance. The Forest Department must take concrete steps to protect both villagers and tourists. They should also install awareness boards to educate visitors about safety.”
Manoj Barbole, Range Forest Officer, appealed to citizens to avoid venturing out at night and to cooperate with wildlife officials. “Anyone spotting a leopard should immediately call the wildlife helpline at 1926. Residents must stay away from forested areas after dark and let our teams monitor animal movement through installed surveillance systems,” he stated.
The forested landscape surrounding Sinhagad Fort is known for diverse wildlife, but increasing overlap between human activities and animal habitats is creating friction, highlighting the urgent need for effective coexistence measures.
