Kolhapur: The increasing movement of leopards across the Karad, Dhebewadi, Patan and Koynanagar regions of Satara district, along with parts of Shirala tehsil in Sangli district, has sparked fear among villagers, with farmers increasingly reluctant to venture into their fields at night for irrigation activities.
Maharashtra Villagers Demand Increased Safety Measures Amid Frequent Leopard Sightings
Residents of Karad-Patan taluka in Maharashtra are calling on the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to install additional streetlights along village roads and at key junctions. This request aims to enhance visibility and safety after dark, particularly in light of recent leopard sightings in the area.
Farmers report a growing fear as leopards have been spotted frequently in farmlands, posing a significant risk to both public safety and livestock. Vishwas Salokhe, a farmer from Agashiv, expressed concern, stating, “The safety of common people is at risk as leopards are being spotted regularly in farmlands. The threat to livestock is even more serious, as compensation claims are not processed on priority by the forest department.”
In addition to better lighting, villagers have urged the forest department to take prompt action to trap the leopards and prevent further incidents. They have warned that a lack of intervention could lead to public protests, reflecting the community’s urgent need for safety measures to address this wildlife threat.
Nearly 119 villages across Karad, Patan, Koynanagar and Dhebewadi have been affected by the growing leopard presence, according to the residents. The expansion of sugarcane cultivation has created ideal shelter for the big cats, raising concerns over the safety of livestock and children. The villagers have warned that if immediate action was not taken, they would stage a protest outside the MSEDCL office in Shirala.