Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik stated that it was the state government that requested the Reliance Foundation to accommodate leopards at its Vantara facility. So far, 25 leopards have already been transferred, with an agreement in place to relocate a total of 50 animals, reported the PTI.
Naik explained that the move followed a sharp rise in leopard captures, particularly in Pune district, where around 150 leopards had been trapped.
“Twenty-five leopards have been sent to Vantara. We made a demand (to take the leopards) because 150 leopards were trapped in Pune district,” Naik said.
The minister highlighted a significant increase in wildlife numbers across the state. He noted that the leopard population has grown nearly fourfold over the past decade.
Similarly, tiger numbers have surged from 101 around seven to eight years ago to 444 at present, indicating successful conservation but also increasing management challenges.
Amendment to Wildlife Protection Law
The Maharashtra legislature has passed an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, aimed at addressing delays in managing human-leopard conflict, according to the PTI.
The minister said there is a misunderstanding due to amendment to the bill and asserted no permission will be given to anyone to kill leopards.
Previously, the Chief Wildlife Warden required permission from the Union government under Section 12 to undertake measures such as translocation or population control. According to Naik, this process was highly regulated, cumbersome, and time-consuming, often hindering timely intervention.
Faster Decision-Making for Wildlife Management
Under the amended provisions, the Chief Wildlife Warden will now be able to take necessary steps for scientific management of leopards—including relocation and population control—with approval from the state government alone. This is expected to streamline responses to conflict situations and improve wildlife management efficiency, as per the PTI.
Addressing public concerns
Naik clarified that there has been some misunderstanding regarding the amendment. He firmly stated that the changes do not permit the killing of leopards under any circumstances, the news agency reported.
He also added that the forest department is planning to establish leopard and tiger safari initiatives in every district, aimed at both conservation awareness and tourism.
(with PTI inputs)
