Pune: Junnar Taluka Residents Receive Solar Lamps, Tents Amid Rising Leopard Encounters
Junnar, 6th December 2024: In Pune’s Junnar area, leopard encounters have been steadily increasing, causing concern among residents. To address this issue, the Maharashtra Forest Department’s Junnar Division is implementing various safety measures, including installing solar compounds and neck bolts around homes. Additionally, solar lights and tents have been recommended for people living or sleeping outdoors.
The Forest Department has taken prompt action by purchasing 400 solar lamps and 400 tents for shepherds using government funds allocated to the Junnar Division. These resources are being distributed to protect shepherds and reduce the risk of leopard attacks. In the first phase, 85 solar lamps and tents have already been distributed in Junnar taluka, with the remaining units to be made available soon, according to Amol Satpute, Sub-Conservator of Forests, Junnar.
Lahu Thokal, Forest Range Officer of Otur, emphasized that the solar lamps and tents will not only safeguard shepherds from leopard attacks but also protect them from snake bites, rain, and cold. The initiative has garnered support, with many key officials, local leaders, and citizens from various villages in Junnar taluka attending the distribution event.
