Rajasthan Government Establishes Dedicated Helpline to Address Man-Leopard Conflicts
In response to a concerning rise in man-leopard conflicts within residential areas of Jaipur, the Rajasthan government has announced the launch of a dedicated helpline to manage such incidents more effectively. Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma revealed that the "1926" helpline will become operational within the next month, marking a significant step toward preventing dangerous encounters between humans and leopards.
Impetus for the Helpline Initiative
The decision follows at least seven documented man-animal conflicts involving leopards in Jaipur over the past year. During a recent Assembly session, BJP MLA Kalicharan Saraf from Malviya Nagar highlighted the critical need for a streamlined reporting system. Saraf emphasized that without a dedicated helpline, information about leopard sightings often reaches forest officials with considerable delay, as residents typically contact police or district administration first. This communication gap can result in response times stretching from one to one and a half hours, allowing situations to escalate unnecessarily.
Comprehensive Conflict Prevention Strategy
Beyond the helpline, the Forest Department has implemented multiple measures to mitigate conflicts. In December 2024, two Quick Response Teams (QRTs) were formed, operating around the clock with special night patrols in high-risk zones like Malviya Nagar and Vidhyadhar Nagar. The department has also enhanced tracking capabilities by bringing trained trackers from Ranthambore and providing month-long training to six local residents from Jhalana and Amagarh. Continuous monitoring is now conducted at known leopard exit points from forested areas.
Habitat improvement efforts include the preparation of a one-hectare enclosure for introducing chital (spotted deer) to bolster the leopard prey base. Additionally, six new waterholes have been constructed in forest regions to ensure adequate water supply, and twenty new camera traps have been installed, bringing the total to sixty for better surveillance.
Examining Emergency Protocols and Past Incidents
When questioned about adopting an emergency predator protocol similar to Maharashtra's model—where a five-kilometre radius is sealed during incidents—Minister Sharma indicated that the department would study such measures from other states. The goal is to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) tailored for Rajasthan, with implementation targeted within the current financial year.
The seven conflict incidents that prompted these actions include:
- In February last year, a leopard was tranquilised in Harinagar, Jagatpura, and released into Jhalana forests.
- In April, a female cub found in Silvan Park died during treatment at a rescue centre.
- In August, a leopard near the NCB factory in Gopalpura was tranquilised and released in Amagarh forest.
- Also in August, multiple sightings at MNIT campus in Malviya Nagar led to a young leopard being caged and released in Amagarh.
- In November, a male leopard was rescued from Civil Lines, a VIP area, and released in Bisalpur.
- Another leopard was rescued from Chandpole near Saroj Cinema in November and released in Khetri, Jhunjhunu.
- In November, a leopard retrieved from Gurjar Ghati died from injuries after release; an investigation is ongoing following a viral video showing locals assaulting the animal.
Moving Forward with Enhanced Coordination
The establishment of the 1926 helpline represents a proactive approach by the Rajasthan government to improve inter-agency coordination and public safety. By centralizing reporting and combining it with robust field measures like QRTs and habitat management, authorities aim to reduce response times and prevent tragic outcomes for both humans and leopards. As urban expansion continues to encroach on natural habitats, such initiatives are crucial for fostering coexistence and ensuring timely interventions in conflict situations.
