From Panic to Protection: State Moves Swiftly to Relocate Leopards in Pune Belt; Forest Minister Announces Urgent Action Plan
Pune, 4th November 2025: In response to the recent spate of leopard attacks in Pune district’s Junnar, Ambegaon, Rajgurunagar, and Shirur areas, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced a series of decisive measures to prevent further human casualties. He confirmed that the state government will relocate leopards from the affected regions and strengthen forest surveillance through advanced technology and manpower.
“Saving human lives is our foremost priority. Funds will not be a constraint in implementing safety measures,” Naik said after a high-level review meeting held at Mantralaya on Monday.
Key Measures Announced
Immediate installation of 200 leopard cages across sensitive areas.
Procurement of 1,000 additional cages on a war footing with a ₹10 crore allocation.
Deployment of AI and satellite-based alert systems to track leopard movement and inform citizens in real time.
Sterilization proposal for controlling leopard population to be expedited through a multi-party delegation meeting with the Union Environment Minister.
Solar fencing around farms and cattle sheds in leopard-prone areas.
Increased manpower and vehicle support for the Forest Department to enhance field operations.
High-Level Meeting:
The review meeting, chaired by Minister Naik, was attended by former minister Dilip Walse-Patil, former MP Shivajirao Adhalrao-Patil, spokesperson Vasantrao Jadhav, ZP member Asha Buchke, and Janta Dal state president Nathabhau Shevale, among others.
Senior forest officials — Additional Chief Secretary Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests M. Srinivas Rao, Chief Conservator of Forests Jitendra Ramgaokar, and Pune Conservator Ashish Thackeray, were also present. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi and Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill joined via video conferencing.
Minister Naik noted a sharp rise in leopard sightings and attacks in the Junnar and Shirur belt, emphasizing both short-term containment and long-term population management. “Leopards captured in these operations will be relocated to suitable habitats, including wildlife sanctuaries and other designated areas within or outside the state,” he said.
He further directed that solar-powered electric fencing be installed around agricultural lands and cattle enclosures to prevent nocturnal leopard intrusions. Farmers will also be ensured full-day power supply to enhance safety.
Over the past few weeks, four people have lost their lives in leopard attacks in Pune district. Following the most recent incident, forest teams successfully trapped the animal responsible, and relocation procedures are already underway.
Naik assured that he would personally visit the affected sites and hold consultations with local representatives and residents to monitor the situation closely.
“The leopard menace in Junnar and Shirur is a serious humanitarian concern. Every possible resource — technology, manpower, and funds — will be mobilized to ensure citizens’ safety,” said Naik.
