Wildlife wardens flag leopard intrusions, suggest mitigation steps to NMC

Nagpur: In the wake of recent leopard intrusions in Bhandewadi and Pardi areas of the city, the honorary wildlife wardens of Nagpur have approached the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) seeking urgent civic and administrative measures to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.

Honorary wildlife wardens Ajinkya Bhatkar, Udhamsinh Yadav and Avinash Londhe submitted a detailed memorandum to the municipal commissioner Abhijeet Choudhari, highlighting that the incidents have resulted in injuries to seven citizens and have triggered fear among residents.


The wardens pointed to factors contributing to the conflict, particularly the unchecked presence of stray dogs and pigs, and open garbage dumping sites within municipal limits. These, they said, are attracting leopards from adjoining forest areas into human settlements.

The wardens suggested mitigation measures like effective control of stray animal populations, strengthening of solid waste management systems to eliminate food sources for wild animals, and improved street lighting in identified conflict-prone pockets.

They also recommended installation of CCTV cameras to monitor animal movement and support rapid response, along with educating residents on leopard behaviour and safety precautions.

The memorandum also stressed the need for regular coordination between the civic body and the forest department to ensure timely sharing of information and swift action during emergencies.

Choudhari held a detailed discussion with the wardens on the issue. He assured that necessary steps would be initiated and that coordination with concerned departments would be strengthened to address the problem.

The honorary wildlife wardens said timely intervention by the civic body is crucial to reduce the risk of further human–leopard encounters, restore a sense of security among residents and support long-term wildlife conservation efforts in and around Nagpur.