Leopard at Pune Airport: Forest Department to Resume Rescue Operation
Viman Nagar, 14th May 2025: A leopard that was spotted near the runway of Pune Airport on April 28 remains untraced despite being captured on trap cameras. After a temporary pause due to Indian Air Force operations under ‘Operation Sindoor’, forest officials are set to resume the search and rescue efforts.
The elusive wild cat was first sighted late last month, prompting the immediate deployment of camera traps and surveillance equipment on the Air Force Station premises. While the animal’s presence was confirmed through multiple images, no successful capture or sighting has occurred since.
Rescue operations were suspended in recent days due to security protocols in place for Operation Sindoor.
“Due to the ongoing operations by the Indian Air Force under Operation Sindoor, certain restrictions were imposed on monitoring activities during that period. However, our camera traps and other equipment at the location remain intact and in their original positions. Monitoring and related operations will resume regularly from tomorrow onward,” said Mangesh Tate, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Pune division.
Forest officials said they are prepared to intensify the search with additional surveillance measures to ensure the leopard is captured safely and relocated to its natural habitat. Meanwhile, authorities remain on alert, with security measures in place to prevent any disruption to civilian or military flight operations.
Officials have urged the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information.
