Pune: Leopard Roaming Freely Creates Panic Among Students in Manchar

Manchar, 13th December 2023: The Avasari Khurd region is gripped with fear as a leopard, once a nocturnal wanderer, now roams freely during the day within the premises and vicinity of the Government Polytechnic and Government College of Engineering and Research. The alarming situation has led to an atmosphere of anxiety among students and residents.

Situated at the foot of the Mudhara hill, approximately two kilometres east of Manchar, the area houses two colleges where over 2,900 students pursue higher education. The leopard’s daytime strolls have disrupted daily activities, prompting concerns among the students as well as faculty and staff residing in the hostels.

Reports reveal that the leopard, responsible for the deaths of numerous dogs in the area, has halted the routine evening walks of students and citizens in the nearby mountainous areas due to frequent sightings. The situation escalated on December 12, around 2:30 in the morning when the leopard ventured into the staff and hostel area, attacking a pet dog.

Expressing deep concern, Dr YV Chavan, the In-charge Principal of Government Polytechnic College, has also demanded urgent intervention from the Manchar Forest Range Officer. In a letter, Dr Chavan urged the placement of a cage to capture and confine the leopard to prevent further incidents.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Smita Rajhans, Forest Range Officer in Manchar (Ambegaon), confirmed receiving letters from both the Government College of Engineering and Research and the Government Polytechnic College at Avasari Khurd. The Forest Department has initiated measures, including night patrols and the installation of cages, to address the leopard issue.