Pune: Maharashtra Government Approves ₹11.25 Crore for 20 Rescue Teams, 500 Cages, and Advanced Equipment to Curb Human-Leopard Conflict
Pune: Maharashtra Government Approves ₹11.25 Crore for 20 Rescue Teams, 500 Cages, and Advanced Equipment to Curb Human-Leopard Conflict
Mumbai, November 4, 2025: Taking serious note of the rising cases of human-leopard conflict in Pune district, the Maharashtra government has approved ₹11.25 crore to implement immediate rescue and safety measures. The decision, initiated by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, aims to prevent further human casualties and ensure peaceful coexistence between residents and wildlife.
Over the past few years, areas like Junnar, Ambegaon, Khed, and Shirur have witnessed an alarming increase in leopard sightings and attacks due to the growing leopard population and their movement near human settlements. Several fatal incidents, including the deaths of a 13-year-old boy, an elderly woman, and a young girl, have intensified public fear in these regions.
To curb the crisis, the approved funds will enable the Junnar Forest Division to set up 20 specialised rescue teams equipped with 500 cages, 20 tranquilising guns, 500 trap cameras, 250 live cameras, and other advanced tools. Each team will consist of trained shooters, rescuers, and medical support staff with dedicated rescue vehicles and modern surveillance systems.
The initiative also received strong backing from Ambegaon MLA and former minister Dilip Walse-Patil, who consistently followed up on the matter. Previously, ₹2 crore was allocated through the District Planning Committee for cage procurement, and the work orders for the same have already been issued.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawar assured citizens that preventing human casualties is the top priority and urged people not to panic. He emphasized that the government’s mission is to protect both human lives and wildlife by keeping leopards safely away from residential zones and relocating them when necessary.
These comprehensive measures are expected to significantly reduce man-animal conflicts in north Pune, particularly in regions with dense sugarcane and fruit plantations that have become leopard habitats. Pawar reiterated that swift and coordinated action would begin immediately to restore safety and confidence among local communities.
