In a significant development addressing the growing human-animal conflict in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will now permit the elimination of leopards confirmed to be man-eaters. The policy comes as a response to increasing attacks on humans in various regions of the state.
Central Government Green Signal
The state administration has already secured the necessary approvals from the central government for this critical decision. "We have received the go-ahead from the Centre," Fadnavis confirmed during a recent assembly session, emphasizing that the policy would only apply to leopards scientifically identified as habitual man-eaters.
Rising Human-Leopard Conflicts
The decision follows numerous incidents where leopards have attacked and killed humans in rural and semi-urban areas of Maharashtra. These conflicts have created fear among local communities and raised concerns about public safety, particularly in regions where human settlements border forest areas.
Scientific Identification Process
Fadnavis clarified that not every leopard spotted near human habitats would be targeted. The forest department will follow a rigorous scientific process to identify specific leopards that have developed a pattern of attacking humans. Only after proper verification and confirmation would the elimination orders be issued.
Balancing Conservation and Public Safety
The new policy represents the government's attempt to strike a delicate balance between wildlife conservation and protecting human lives. While leopards remain a protected species under Indian wildlife laws, the government recognizes the need to address situations where these animals pose a direct threat to human safety.
This proactive approach aims to provide relief to affected communities while maintaining appropriate conservation measures for the leopard population that doesn't exhibit threatening behavior toward humans.
