Following a series of alarming leopard intrusions into residential zones, Nagpur's honorary wildlife wardens have urgently called upon the city's civic body to implement immediate safety measures. The recent incidents in the Bhandewadi and Pardi localities have heightened fears among citizens, prompting this decisive action.
Memorandum Details and Root Causes
The honorary wildlife wardens, Ajinkya Bhatkar, Udhamsinh Yadav, and Avinash Londhe, formally presented a detailed memorandum to Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Choudhari. They highlighted that these dangerous encounters have already resulted in injuries to seven citizens. The wardens identified primary factors drawing leopards from nearby forests into human habitats: the rampant population of stray dogs and pigs, coupled with open garbage dumping sites within municipal limits. These elements create a readily available food source, effectively pulling wild predators into residential areas.
Proposed Mitigation and Safety Measures
The submitted plan outlines a multi-pronged strategy to curb the conflict. Key recommendations include:
- Effective control of stray animal populations to remove a major food attractant.
- Strengthening solid waste management systems to eliminate open garbage, thereby cutting off the food supply.
- Improving street lighting in identified conflict-prone pockets to enhance visibility and deterrence.
- Installing CCTV cameras to monitor animal movement and enable a rapid response from authorities.
- Launching public awareness campaigns to educate residents on leopard behaviour and essential safety precautions.
The memorandum also stressed the critical need for regular coordination between the Nagpur Municipal Corporation and the forest department. This collaboration is deemed vital for timely information sharing and swift action during emergencies.
Civic Response and Future Outlook
Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Choudhari held a detailed discussion with the wardens on the pressing issue. He assured them that necessary steps would be initiated promptly and that coordination with all concerned departments would be strengthened to address the problem comprehensively. The honorary wardens emphasized that timely intervention by the civic body is crucial. It is the only way to reduce the risk of further human-leopard encounters, restore a sense of security among Nagpur's residents, and support long-term wildlife conservation efforts in and around the city.
