Gurugram News: A leopard strayed into Ashiana Society in Gurugram’s Sohna on Saturday night, triggering panic among residents. The guard of the residential society spotted the feline and alerted his seniors, who promptly informed the Forest Department. A rescue team, including Forest Inspector Krishan Kumar, Forest Officer Jyoti Kumar, and wildlife social worker Anil Gandas, arrived at the spot to handle the situation.
The leopard was captured without the need for a tranquiliser, news agency IANS reported.
Detailing the rescue operation, Krishan Kumar stated, "There was not much space where the leopard was sitting. Due to this, the animal could not escape. The cage was kept at the gate, and the leopard was captured without any problem."
"We received information around 2 a.m. It was a male leopard and probably entered the residential society for food. He was safely left in the Aravalli at 6 a.m. on Sunday," Anil Gandas said, as quoted by IANS.
Station House Officer (SHO) Chander Bhan informed that it took four to five hours of joint operation to rescue the leopard. According to Indian Express, Wildlife Department officials said that the society’s residents had trapped the feline in the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) by the time officials reached the spot.
“The leopard took cover behind some sacks and material near a tank inside the STP. Our team strategically cut a smaller opening in the iron rod gate, allowing us to coax the leopard into a cage adjacent to it. By spraying water through pipes, we prompted the leopard to move into the cage. We were able to capture the leopard safely without using any tranquilisers,” Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife, Gurgaon, Ram Kumar Jangra said, as quoted by Indian Express.
Ashiana Society, located near the Aravalli hills, often sees animals wandering into residential areas in search of food. The leopard, which was uninjured, is believed to have ventured into the area due to its proximity to the forested region.
Haryana Govt Plans Jungle Safari In Aravalli Region
This comes as the Haryana government is planning to develop a Jungle Safari in the Aravalli region. Forest Department officials will study five existing jungle safaris in India and one in Singapore to understand the facilities provided. This research will guide the development of the Aravalli Jungle Safari, which aims to outshine other safaris and become a significant attraction for domestic and international tourists.
The state government has transferred the project’s responsibility from the Tourism Department to the Forest Department to expedite its implementation.