GoPro captures fully grown Leopard in Khalagh; Shimla Airport belt on alert
Shimla, Dec 3,
Leopard movement around the Jubberhatti Airport belt has once again raised alarm after a fully grown big cat was captured on a GoPro camera in the Khalagh area. The footage, recorded by Design Engineer Chanakya Sharma while parking his vehicle near his home, has renewed concerns among residents already reporting multiple sightings in recent weeks.
According to locals, the latest video confirms that leopards continue to frequent the slopes adjoining the airstrip. A leap of leopards was spotted earlier along the runway and on the forested ridges nearby, signalling sustained activity of more than one big cat in the region.
“The leopard in the footage has been hunting domestic dogs in our locality. Several pets have disappeared over the past few days,” said Mohan Verma, a resident of the area. He added that the animal has become noticeably bolder, often venturing close to homes during evening and early morning hours.
“People are scared to step out after dusk. The pattern is clear — it is coming down deliberately to target dogs,” Verma said.
The State Wildlife Wing has installed a trap cage along the Airport–Dwaunti Road, considered a hotspot for recent sightings. But despite repeated attempts, no leopard has been captured so far. Wildlife teams have confirmed continued movement in the zone but say trapping efforts are proving difficult due to the animal’s unpredictable routes.
Residents, meanwhile, have urged authorities to step up patrolling and deploy night-time surveillance, especially in residential pockets and near the airport boundary. Villagers fear a potential attack on commuters, schoolchildren, or livestock if the situation remains unaddressed.
With sightings increasing and trapping efforts yet to yield results, the atmosphere around Jubberhatti Airport remains tense. Locals hope that the Wildlife Department will take swift and decisive measures to contain the leopard activity before any untoward incident occurs.
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