With leopard attacks rising sharply across Maharashtra’s sugarcane belt, the state government has taken a significant precautionary step: school timings will be shifted to 9:30 am–4:00 pm in high-risk areas. This measure is aimed at ensuring students travel only during daylight hours, when leopard movement is significantly lower.
The decision follows a high-level meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
A Sharp Spike in Human–Leopard Conflict
Over the past two months, more than a dozen people have been attacked by leopards, sparking fear and unrest among local communities. Sugarcane fields, known for their dense foliage and moisture, serve as ideal resting spots for leopards—bringing them dangerously close to human settlements.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar explained, “Leopard movements usually take place at night. Ensuring that students travel during the day will be safer.”
Top Leadership Steps In
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, and several key officials. The state’s priority: quickly curb the conflict and reduce the risk to residents, especially children who often walk long distances to school.
Measures Announced to Strengthen Safety
Apart from adjusting school timings, the government has approved additional measures to manage the increasing leopard presence:
1. More Cages and Capture Equipment
Funds have been allocated to purchase trapping cages and necessary tools to safely capture leopards entering villages or moving too close to homes.
2. Two Dedicated Leopard Centres
The state will set up two specialised leopard centres to house captured animals and manage rehabilitation. This ensures humane handling and reduces the chance of re-entry into residential areas.
3. Possible Permission to Kill Man-Eaters
Officials are examining whether legal permission can be obtained to eliminate leopards officially identified as man-eaters or repeat attackers—an extreme but sometimes unavoidable measure when public safety is at risk.
A Needed Relief for Frightened Communities
The government’s swift actions reflect the urgency of the situation. As human settlements expand and wildlife habitats shrink, conflicts like these are becoming more frequent. Changing school timings may be a temporary step, but it provides immediate protection while long-term wildlife management strategies are put in place.
