Pune: Centre Approves Leopard Sterilisation; Forest Minister Orders AI-Based Measures To Reduce Human–Leopard Conflict
Pune: Centre Approves Leopard Sterilisation; Forest Minister Orders AI-Based Measures To Reduce Human–Leopard Conflict
Pune, November 17, 2025: To reduce human–leopard conflict, all necessary measures must be implemented immediately, said Forest Minister Ganesh Naik. He directed officials to promptly submit proposals and funding requirements for the planned mitigation works, and to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology along with global best practices. He added that the Centre has approved leopard sterilisation and asked officials to initiate action in this regard.
The minister was speaking at a meeting held in the Regional Conservator of Forests’ office to review measures for addressing human–leopard conflict. Present at the meeting were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) Vivek Khandekar; Chief Conservator of Forests (Nashik) Mallikarjun; PCCF Ashish Thackeray; Conservator of Forests, Pune Circle, Mahadev Mohite; Deputy Conservators of Forests Prashant Khade (Pune), Shridharmabir Salchitthal (Ahilyanagar), Vivek Hosing (Wildlife), Jayram Gowda (Education), Siddhesh Sawdekar (Solapur), Pankaj Garg (Social Forestry), along with other forest officers and staff.
Naik also met the forest staffer injured in a recent leopard attack in Nashik to boost his morale. He emphasised that forest personnel risk their lives while dealing with human–leopard conflict and must be provided with all necessary equipment. Efforts are underway to ensure swift release of emergency funds under the district plan. He also suggested studying whether bamboo plantations could act as a deterrent to leopards.
During the meeting, Khandekar shared information on sugarcane farming, leopard habitat, and effective interventions. Discussions included actions expected from sugar mills, planning based on the Tiger Foundation model, leopard population estimation, micromapping, disposal of poultry and hotel waste, insurance for rescue teams, strengthening base camps, creating grassland habitats, and measures for shepherds and sugarcane workers.
Prashant Khade presented the measures taken so far to address human–leopard conflict. Mohite provided updates on TTC Bavdhan-related works and stated that treatment facilities for more than 80 leopards would be made available by June 2026.
Ashish Thackeray issued instructions to continue search operations in Pimpalgaav and recommended providing additional manpower. He also stated that the Centre has granted approval for the immuno-contraceptive method to control leopard population.
