Leopard Sighting at DRDO Lab in Pune Prompts Safety Advisory for Scientists and Staff
Vishrantwadi, 29th July 2025: A leopard was reportedly spotted early Monday morning within the premises of the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)], a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), located on Alandi Road in Pune.
The alert was first raised by security guards patrolling the campus, which spans nearly 100 acres and is involved in the indigenous development of engineering systems for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
In response, R&DE(E) authorities issued a safety advisory to all personnel, including scientists, asking those working near the rear gate area to remain at home until further notice.
“A precautionary advisory was circulated soon after we confirmed the sighting. The safety of our staff is of utmost importance,” a senior R&DE(E) official told Punekar News. “Work in some sections of the lab was paused temporarily, especially in areas closer to the rear side of the campus.”
Second Leopard Sighting Since 2022
This is the second recorded leopard sighting at the facility in recent years, the previous incident having occurred in 2022. Despite extensive search operations back then, forest officials were unable to locate the animal. Similar efforts are now underway.
R&DE(E)’s campus is located adjacent to the campuses of the Border Roads Organisation, General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF), and the Training Battalion II of the Bombay Engineering Group. The laboratory is also just a few kilometres from the forested areas of Charholi village, making it susceptible to occasional wildlife movement.
Forest Department Steps In
Officials from the Pune Forest Division visited the premises on Monday to assess the situation. Range Forest Officer Suresh Varak confirmed that camera traps have been installed at strategic locations on the campus in an attempt to track the leopard.
“We have advised the laboratory administration to clear the overgrown grass, which may be providing cover to the animal,” Varak said. “Although the lab is equipped with a large network of CCTV cameras, there has been no visual confirmation of the leopard so far.”
Forest officials believe the leopard may have ventured into the campus from nearby forest patches, either while searching for food or following prey.
“There are a number of stray dogs in and around the facility. Leopards are known to prey on such animals, especially in semi-urban areas with green cover,” another forest official added.
Residents and Staff Urged to Remain Vigilant
Though the residential quarters for scientists and staff are located outside the main technical zone of the facility, the advisory applies to all R&DE(E) personnel. Officials have urged residents and employees to exercise caution, avoid venturing into poorly lit or isolated areas, and immediately report any further sightings.
This latest incident has reignited conversations around urban-wildlife conflict in Pune’s rapidly expanding cityscape, especially in areas where green belts intersect with residential and institutional zones.
Forest officials plan to continue monitoring the site over the next several days, hoping the camera traps will provide conclusive evidence to either confirm the animal’s presence or rule out further threat.
