‘Goats Are for Leopards, Not for People’: Minister’s Directive Amid Growing Pune Rural Panic

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 17th November 2025: Amid a sharp rise in leopard attacks across Junnar, Ambegaon and Shirur talukas of Pune district, the Maharashtra government has announced a controversial set of measures aimed at reducing human–leopard conflict. These include sterilisation of leopards in Junnar and releasing goats in identified hotspots so that the animals do not enter human settlements in search of food.

The decisions were revealed on Monday during a review meeting chaired by State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik at the Forest Department headquarters. The meeting was called in response to multiple deaths and injuries reported over the past few weeks due to leopard attacks in rural areas.

‘Population Rise and Sugarcane Fields Increasing Encounters’
Minister Naik said the landscape of Junnar has changed significantly in recent years.
“With the construction of four dams, sugarcane cultivation has expanded, and many farm settlements have shifted closer to forested areas. Earlier, the region had smaller prey species like hares, jackals and foxes, so leopards did not enter human habitations. But now encounters have increased,” he said.

According to him, leopard breeding has also risen, and attacks spike especially during the sugarcane-harvesting season.

To strengthen trapping operations, the department has increased the number of cages from the earlier 200 to nearly 1,000. Naik said cages usually require dogs or goats as live bait, but animal welfare groups have objected to the practice. As a compromise, the department plans to use goats or chickens as bait instead of dogs.

AI Cameras, Siren Alerts and ₹11 Crore for Pune District
Naik announced that AI-enabled cameras will be installed at sensitive locations to track leopard movement.
“When a leopard approaches, an automatic siren will be activated,” he said.
The state will allocate ₹11 crore for strengthening response teams and surveillance systems in Pune district. A similar mechanism will also be developed for Ahilyanagar. Nasik will receive upgraded safety arrangements ahead of the upcoming Kumbh Mela, he added.

“These three regions will see rapid, war-level preparations to control leopard attacks,” Naik stated.

Goats to Be Released Where Leopard Numbers Are High
Naik said the department will ensure that no fresh loss of human life occurs.
“To reduce attacks, goats will be released in areas with high leopard density. They will be marked with a distinct colour so that officials can monitor them. The idea is that if natural prey is available, leopards will not enter human settlements,” he said.

He also cautioned local residents not to consume the goats released as prey for the leopards.

He added that some leopards may also be sent to the forest department’s rescue centres, and discussions are underway to explore whether a few could be relocated to African sanctuaries.

Sterilisation Approved in Junnar
Naik confirmed that the Junnar Forest Division has received permission to carry out leopard sterilisation as a pilot project.
“The experiment will be observed over the next six months. Based on the outcome, further decisions will be taken,” he said.

Background of Rising Conflict
Pune district has been witnessing one of the worst surges in leopard-related incidents in recent years, with Junnar and surrounding areas reporting multiple fatalities. Villagers have demanded immediate action as leopards continue to enter residential zones, farms and schools.