Forest Department Takes Action: Identifies Leopard Crossing Hotspots on Pune-Nashik Highway, Installs Signage

The forest department has identified leopard crossing hotspots along the Pune-Nashik Highway and has started to post signage along the route. Since the procedure began in December, three locations in Narayangaon have had signage installed. According to officials, more signage will be put up in the next few days.

The provision of safe passage for wild animals crossing highways has long been demanded.

A male leopard, estimated to be between eight and nine years old, died in a car crash close to Narayangaon on December 17. On the Pune-Nashik Highway, reports of the deaths of wolves and hyenas were also received.

A forest official of Junnar said that the department began placing signage at these locations after determining which areas were hotspots. In order to prevent accidents, we have so far put up three of these signs at various locations that designate wildlife crossing zones and advise drivers to drive slowly. Soon, the department will also install these signs in other locations.

Huge farmlands, mostly used for the production of sugarcane, are on both sides of the highway. Additionally, the Meena River and the Dimbhe Dam Canal flow through this region, giving wild animals a secure home.

As a result, a large number of wild animals live in this area. These animals roam the area in search of food during the evening, night, or early morning hours and become victims of these mishaps.

A senior forest official said that the forest department is frequently overlooked when such projects are being planned. Thus, when preparing such infrastructure projects, the relevant authorities need to discuss them with the forest department.