Wai panchayat samiti chief seeks cages, cameras after leopard sightings in western villages
Vikrant Dongre, chairman of the Wai Panchayat Samiti, wants the forest department to act after a child's death in a leopard attack at Nhalewadi Punarvasan.
Rising leopard movement in several villages of Wai taluka, especially in the western part, has become a cause of worry for residents. The animal is being sighted repeatedly, creating fear among women, farmers, farm labourers and young children.
A young child died in a leopard attack at Nhalewadi Punarvasan in the Satara area. Following this, Vikrant alias Bhaiyya Dongre, chairman of the Wai Panchayat Samiti, has demanded that the forest department not stop at inspections but take firm preventive steps immediately.
Dongre wants cages installed at once wherever leopard activity is being seen continuously in Wai taluka. He said trap cameras, night vision cameras and other necessary technical arrangements are also needed to track the leopard's movements.
He has also demanded that the forest department step up regular patrolling in the western part, in villages bordering the forest, in farming areas and in places where people move about.
It is being said that large troops of monkeys in the western part are increasing the movement of wild animals. Preventive measures based on a scientific study of leopard activity have therefore been called for. A large-scale awareness campaign among villagers has also been demanded. It has been described as necessary to tell people to be careful when going to the fields at night, not to send young children out alone and to avoid dark places.
An appeal has also been made that people should not chase a leopard if they see one and should inform the forest department immediately.
Dongre said, "The people have trusted me and given me the responsibility of the post of panchayat samiti chairman. This is not just a post, it is a responsibility for people's safety. Not a single family in my taluka should have to live in fear of the leopard."
To prevent a repeat of the Nhalewadi Punarvasan incident, he has asked the forest department to visit every village where a leopard is present and inspect it, record dangerous spots and take permanent measures, including installing cages and cameras.
