Pune: Wild Gaur Trapped Between Massive Water Pipelines on Sinhagad Road Rescued Safely
Pune, 30th June 2026: A wild gaur (Indian bison) trapped between two massive Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) water supply pipelines at Vishranti Nagar on Sinhagad Road was successfully rescued on Tuesday following a challenging multi-agency operation involving the Pune Fire Brigade, Forest Department, Pune City Police, PMC, RESQ Charitable Trust, and local residents.
The incident was reported around 11:50 am near New Canal Road in Vishranti Nagar, Hingne Khurd, when the Sinhagad Road Fire Station received information that a cow had fallen between two enclosed water supply pipelines. A fire engine and rescue personnel were immediately dispatched to the spot.
However, upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the trapped animal was not a cow but a wild gaur, one of India’s largest wild bovines. Recognising the complexity of the situation, they promptly alerted the Forest Department and Pune City Police, following which a coordinated rescue operation was launched.
Officials said the gaur had become wedged in the narrow gap between two large PMC water pipelines, making the rescue technically challenging and potentially dangerous. The Forest Department’s rescue team first secured the animal by carefully passing ropes and a rescue strap beneath its abdomen. A veterinarian then administered a tranquiliser to safely sedate the gaur, enabling rescuers to proceed without causing further stress or injury.
Once the animal was sedated, the rescue team, assisted by the Pune Fire Brigade, used ropes, rescue belts, and a crane to gently lift the gaur out of the confined space. The operation was carried out with extreme caution to avoid any injuries. After being successfully extricated, the gaur was placed in a Forest Department rescue vehicle and transported for medical care.
The animal underwent a preliminary veterinary examination before being shifted to the Forest Department’s Transit Treatment Centre at Bavdhan for further treatment and observation. Forest officials said the gaur will be released into its natural habitat after veterinarians certify that it has fully recovered and is fit for release.
The rescue operation was carried out under the guidance of Chief Conservator of Forests Ashish Thakare, while Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhijit Vaykos personally supervised the operation at the site. Forest Range Officer Manoj Baravkar, forest guards, wildlife personnel, veterinary experts, representatives of RESQ Charitable Trust, Pune Fire Brigade personnel, Pune City Police officers, PMC officials, and local residents all played key roles in ensuring the success of the rescue.
According to the Pune Fire Brigade, firefighters initially responded believing that a cow was trapped but quickly realised it was a wild gaur after reaching the site. They immediately coordinated with the Forest Department and police, enabling specialised wildlife rescuers to take charge while the Fire Brigade provided critical logistical support throughout the operation.
Speaking after the rescue, Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhijit Vaykos said, “This rescue operation at Vishranti Nagar was extremely challenging. However, the coordinated efforts and prompt response of the Forest Department, Police, Fire Brigade, Pune Municipal Corporation, RESQ Charitable Trust, and local residents ensured that the gaur was rescued without any major injury. After completing its treatment, the animal will be safely released into its natural habitat.”
Prabhakar Umartkar of the Pune Fire Brigade said, “The Sinhagad Road Fire Station received information about a cow trapped between two water pipelines. When our team reached the spot, we found that the trapped animal was actually a wild gaur. We immediately sought assistance from the Forest Department and the police. Through the coordinated efforts of all the agencies involved, the gaur was rescued safely.”
Officials described the operation as an example of effective inter-agency coordination, with emergency responders, wildlife experts, civic authorities, and local residents working together to ensure the safe rescue of the wild animal without any major injuries.
