Leopard Attacks Declared State Disaster in Maharashtra

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed officials to classify leopard attacks on humans as a state disaster. This move aims to provide authorities with greater flexibility in managing leopards, particularly those identified as man-eaters. The state is also preparing to formally request the central government to reclassify leopards from Schedule I to Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

To combat rising incidents, especially in districts like Pune and Ahilyanagar, immediate actions will involve using drones to locate and capture leopards near human settlements. Long-term strategies include sterilization programs and enhancing the capacity of existing rescue centers, with plans for two new centers in Pune district. Officials estimate approximately 3,800 leopards in Maharashtra's forests, with a significant, unknown number residing in sugarcane fields.

However, environmentalists and animal rights activists have voiced concerns. They argue that reclassifying leopards could penalize wildlife for human-induced habitat loss and suggest focusing on habitat protection and expansion. Some attribute the surge in leopard encounters to altered water regimes and agricultural practices, leading to leopards seeking food in human-dominated areas.