Dewas: There is an atmosphere of fear after the footprints of a leopard were seen in the forests of Palnagar and Nagda adjoining Dewas in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.
The forest department has confirmed the same and issued guidelines to the locals not to go alone in the fields. Besides, a search campaign is also on as the villagers are worried post this incident.
A farmer named Rajesh Patel, who was irrigating the forest between Pal Nagar and Nagda, informed the forest department officials after seeing the leopard.
Forest Department, Ranger, D.S. Chauhan later visited the spot where the leopard was seen with his staff and investigated the matter.
The farmer’s assertion was confirmed after they found the footprints of the leopard on the spot. According to forest department officials, the pugmarks found on the spot were that of a leopard following which they alerted the farmers.
The villagers have also been informed about the leopard being seen in the area and accordingly, they have been instructed not to visit the forest alone. They have been asked to visit the forest in groups and keep sticks, whistles, and other necessary gears with them for their safety.
The forest department officials said that they have begun a probe in the area, adding the search operation will be enhanced with more staff if they get information about the leopard being seen again.
A farmer named Rakesh Patel informed that the electricity department provides power during the night. The farmers have been demanding the electricity department to provide power during the daytime as well.
At present, watering the wheat crop is very important for the farmers, but they are not even able to irrigate their lands due to the leopard threat.
In such a situation, the crops may also suffer due to a lack of irrigation.
The locals have asked the forest department officials to ensure the leopard is caught at the earliest.
The threat has also increased in the residential areas as the spot where the leopard was seen is just two kilometers away.
The exact size of the leopard is not yet known. The eyewitness, however, said the leopard was big in size, adding he saw the animal when it was making a stir behind the bushes.