Junnar’s Leopard Safari Gains Central Approval, Awaits Supreme Court’s Nod
Junnar's Leopard Safari Gains Central Approval, Awaits Supreme Court's Nod
In a significant move towards mitigating the long-standing human-leopard conflict in Junnar, the state’s first and only leopard safari has received the green light from the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI). The project, designed to confine leopards in a protected open environment, marks a crucial step forward, though it now awaits the final nod from the Supreme Court.
For the past 25 years, Junnar’s Forest Division has been at the center of a grave issue—frequent and often deadly encounters between humans and leopards. These encounters have resulted in the loss of 45 lives and injuries to 138 individuals. Livestock in the region has also suffered heavy casualties, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable solution. The leopard safari is envisioned as a way to safely house leopards while reducing the risk to local communities.
The safari project, which will be located in Ambegaon, has been in the planning stages for quite some time. Securing the ideal location proved to be a time-consuming process, but it finally received a green light earlier this year, with the state cabinet granting approval in February 2024. The safari is set to feature 12 to 14 leopards, living in a secure yet open environment that spans across several kilometers.
Tourists visiting the safari will have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures from the safety of enclosed buses, each with a capacity of 20 to 25 seats. The project is expected to boost tourism in Junnar, transforming it into a significant wildlife attraction.
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Junnar Forest Division, Amol Satpute, expressed optimism about the project’s impact on both conservation efforts and local tourism. “This safari will not only protect leopards but also create a new avenue for tourism in Junnar,” he said.
The CZAI’s approval marks a critical milestone in the safari’s development. However, before construction can begin, the Supreme Court must review and grant its approval. The CZAI has already forwarded the necessary documents for the Court’s consideration, and the project team is now awaiting the Court’s decision.
With the process for central approval completed just 15 days ago, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court’s impending verdict, which will determine the future of this much-anticipated conservation and tourism initiative.
