Pune: Daytime Power Supply, Solar Fencing, And AI Monitoring To Curb Man-Leopard Conflict : Ajit Pawar 

Pune, October 16, 2025: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has directed authorities to implement urgent and long-term measures to control the rising man-leopard conflict in Pune district. Emphasizing sustainable and permanent solutions, Pawar announced several key initiatives, including daytime power supply for farmers, 100% subsidized solar fencing, AI-based leopard monitoring units, and the establishment of a dedicated rescue center.

A high-level review meeting chaired by Pawar was held at the Pune Legislative Building, attended by MP Amol Kolhe, MLAs Dilip Walse Patil, Bapu Pathare, Sharad Sonawane, Babaji Kale, Dnyaneshwar Katke, former MP Adhalrao Patil, former MLA Atul Benke, Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and senior officials from the forest, agriculture, and power departments.

21 Deaths, 52 Injuries, And 18,000 Animal Deaths In Five Years

Data presented during the meeting revealed that leopard attacks in the past five years have resulted in 21 human deaths, 52 injuries, and around 18,000 livestock losses, creating widespread fear among residents. Officials described the escalating conflict as akin to a “natural calamity.”

Daytime Power Supply from October 31

Pawar directed the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to provide daytime electricity in leopard-affected talukas of Pune — Junnar, Shirur, Ambegaon, Khed, and Daund — and in Akole and Parner in Ahmednagar district, effective October 31, 2025.

Forest Department to Submit Procurement Proposals

The forest department has been asked to submit proposals for essential materials to the District Planning Committee. The Pune District Collector will ensure timely funding to implement these preventive and protective measures.

Focus on Sterilization and Relocation

To manage the growing leopard population, Pawar instructed the forest department to accelerate sterilization programs and relocate leopards to designated protected zones.

₹2 Crore Fund for Leopard Traps

An immediate allocation of ₹2 crore has been approved to purchase cages for capturing leopards in high-risk zones, expediting rescue and relocation operations.

100% Subsidized Solar Fencing for Farmers

Farmers in conflict-prone villages will receive fully subsidized solar fencing to safeguard their farmlands. Pawar mentioned that detailed planning discussions will be held soon with the Forest Minister and Pune District Collector.

Safety Support for Shepherds

Shepherds working in leopard-affected areas will be provided with tents and solar lighting kits to improve night-time security and visibility.

AI-Based Monitoring Units

To strengthen surveillance, 50 new AI-powered monitoring units will be deployed across leopard-prone regions to track animal movements and alert authorities promptly.

New Leopard Rescue Centre at Shirur

Pawar confirmed that the proposal for a new rescue centre capable of housing up to 200 leopards in Shirur received a positive response from Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav during recent discussions.

Pawar urged all departments to coordinate closely and launch awareness campaigns at the village level to minimize human-leopard encounters.

For effective implementation of the conflict-mitigation program, retired forest officer Ashok Khadse has been appointed as the nodal officer to oversee all measures.