By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 9 May: A leopard rescue centre will soon be established in Bageshwar. Following this, the leopards captured in Bageshwar district will no longer be required to be sent to Almora. This decision was taken by Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal following a request made in this respect by Lal Batti holder Bhupesh Upadhyay, today. Upadhyay called on Uniyal at his official residence at Yamuna Colony here. Upadhyay also urged Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal to increase the number of leopard cages in rural areas where leopard activity has been consistently high.
The request comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Mana-Kabhda, Kanda, where a leopard killed a child. Upadhyay stressed the urgent need for more cages in populated areas. He reminded that the absence of a rescue centre in Bageshwar is resulting in difficulties in capturing and housing leopards. This has led to repeated attacks and loss of life in rural communities.
Responding swiftly to Upadhyay’s request, Uniyal directed the Forest Secretary to draft a proposal for setting up leopard rescue centres in districts lacking such facilities. He also instructed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Bageshwar, to increase the number of nets and cages used to capture leopards straying into human settlements, ensuring better security for residents.
On this occasion, Upadhyay expressed gratitude to the Forest Minister for taking immediate action in public interest. Later, speaking to Garhwal Post, Uniyal shared that similar measures are being considered in other districts facing frequent leopard incursions. He affirmed that the government aims to strengthen wildlife management while safeguarding human lives in affected areas.
