Fear Strikes Jaipur as Leopard Infiltrates Urban Neighborhood, Captured After Four Hours
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Jaipur, Dec 7 (NationPress) Panic enveloped the Vidyadhar Nagar locality of Jaipur for close to four hours on Saturday after a leopard unexpectedly appeared in the residential zone, causing residents to remain confined within their homes.
Officials from the Forest Department promptly acted, initiating an operation to tranquilize and capture the animal. Despite facing initial challenges, the leopard was successfully subdued around 5:22 PM following a vigorous effort.
The incident began around 1 PM when inhabitants noticed the leopard emerging from a park in Sector 2. The big cat then entered a nearby apartment and traversed the streets, inducing widespread fear. During its escapade, the leopard attacked three individuals, escalating the anxiety among the locals. The Forest Department team tirelessly followed the animal as it moved through gardens, apartments, and streets until it was finally captured.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Jagdish Gupta reported that the leopard was initially spotted near the government guest house and later discovered in the CPWD garden, camouflaged among the foliage. He highlighted that the proximity of Vidyadhar Nagar to the Nahargarh forest area occasionally leads leopards to wander into urban territories in search of sustenance or water.
Leopard sightings in Jaipur are relatively frequent due to its closeness to the Jhalana and Amagarh Leopard Reserves. Historically, leopards have been observed in regions like Manbagh, Jaisinghpura Khor, and Jagatpura’s Ashiana Greenwood Society, as well as along Delhi Road and in Malviya Nagar. These creatures have been known to prey on livestock and wildlife, and some encounters have sadly led to human casualties, including the tragic death of a child in Jamwaramgarh.
Jaipur boasts a significant leopard population, with approximately 75 leopards residing in the Jhalana, Amagarh, and Nahargarh forest areas. The Jhalana reserve alone is home to about 45 leopards, while the Amagarh forests contain over 20. Notably, Jaipur is the first city in India to feature two leopard safaris, alongside a lion safari, a tiger safari, and an elephant safari.
