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Water Scarcity Drives Leopards to Navi Mumbai Homes
27 Feb
Summary
- Leopards sighted in Belapur and Kharghar due to water scarcity.
- Activists demand restoration of natural water sources in forests.
- Human encroachment and infrastructure development disrupt wildlife habitats.
Recent frequent leopard sightings in Navi Mumbai's Belapur and Kharghar hills have been confirmed by forest officials, leading to urgent calls for action. The Forum-Sajag Nagrik Manch has submitted a representation to the Thane Forest Department, emphasizing the need to restore natural water sources within forest areas.
Activists cite human encroachment and infrastructure development, such as hill tunnelling and quarrying, as primary drivers of human-animal conflict. This relentless disturbance forces wildlife to abandon their natural habitats in search of safety and sustenance. The lack of perennial water bodies in the forests compels leopards to venture into urban settlements.
The Forum demands the creation of watering holes, including establishing perennial water facilities near Green Valley and Waghoba Temple. They also advocate for the restoration of a ruined ancient lake in CBD-Belapur Sector 8, currently obstructed by illegal debris dumping. A joint technical survey by the Thane Forest Department, CIDCO, and NMMC is sought for these conservation projects, along with fund allocation.
