Nahan, May 11
Panic spread in the Shilata forest area of Paonta Sahib subdivision in Sirmaur district on Monday morning after an injured leopard was found lying in a deep ravine near Gupt Sahastradhara.
The Forest Department later rescued the wild animal after a challenging operation that lasted several hours.
According to information, some local residents passing through the Gupt Sahastradhara area spotted the injured leopard trapped inside the ravine and immediately informed the Forest Department. News of the injured leopard spread rapidly in nearby areas, attracting a large crowd at the site.
Soon after receiving the information, forest department field staff reached the spot. Bhagani Range Forest Officer Sumant Kumar and Rapid Rescue Team member Surendra Sharma also arrived with a specialised rescue team to conduct the operation.
As a precautionary measure, the surrounding area was cordoned off and local residents were kept at a safe distance. Officials said the leopard had become highly aggressive because of its injuries, making the rescue operation extremely risky.
The rescue team initially attempted to capture the leopard with nets, but due to the difficult terrain and the animal’s aggressive condition, officials finally tranquilised the leopard before safely rescuing it from the ravine.
Police personnel from Singhpura police station also reached the scene to control the crowd and assist the forest department during the operation.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the leopard may have been injured after being hit by a vehicle while crossing the road late Sunday night. Forest officials, however, said all angles are being investigated.
After the rescue, the leopard was shifted to a veterinary hospital where it was provided first aid. Officials said arrangements were being made to shift the animal to the state veterinary hospital for advanced treatment.
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Leopard paw severed in Nahan: Two arrested under Wildlife Protection Act
The incident has once again highlighted the growing human-wildlife conflict in Himachal Pradesh. In March this year, two persons were arrested in Nahan after a leopard rescued from a goat shed later died during treatment and its paw and claws were allegedly found severed.
Earlier, in February, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department had launched “Operation Clawing Back” and conducted raids on jewellery shops in Rohru, seizing protected animal parts during a crackdown on illegal wildlife trade.
Forest officials said increasing movement of wild animals near roads and human settlements has become a matter of serious concern in several districts of the state.
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