What Happened When a Leopard Was Spotted in Jaipur's Shastri Nagar?
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Synopsis
In a startling incident that has sent shockwaves through Jaipur, a leopard was sighted in Shastri Nagar, following a similar sighting just a day before. Residents are on edge as they navigate this unsettling reality, raising concerns about wildlife encroachment into urban spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Leopard sightings are increasing in Jaipur due to habitat loss.
- Residents are experiencing heightened anxiety and fear.
- The Forest Department is actively searching for the leopard.
- Wildlife officials emphasize the need for better coexistence strategies.
- Public awareness is crucial for safety and wildlife management.
Jaipur, Nov 27 (NationPress) Following the recent sighting of a leopard in Vidhyadhar Nagar, another leopard was observed in the residential district of Shastri Nagar on Thursday, causing widespread alarm.
CCTV footage showed the big cat wandering near Sikar House in Shastri Nagar, crossing a road in Kalyan Colony and even walking along the rooftop of a nearby residence.
In response to the CCTV images, teams from the Forest Department initiated a search operation around a plot in C-Block, Sikar House, but unfortunately, they could not locate the leopard.
Officials reported that the search lasted for more than five hours.
Local residents expressed their concern, stating, "The community is filled with fear and anxiety due to the leopard's presence."
According to officials from the Forest Department, the leopard likely strayed into this populated area from the Nahargarh forest and may have returned to the wilderness by dawn.
Earlier, on November 20, another leopard had made its way into the VVIP Civil Lines area, which is home to the Governor, Chief Minister, and several ministers.
Residents noted that multiple CCTV cameras along the main road of Sikar House and Kalyan Colony recorded the leopard's movements.
Around 6 a.m., the persistent barking of dogs alerted the community. When some stepped outside to investigate, they found nothing in the darkness. Later, the CCTV footage revealed the leopard traversing rooftops and streets before entering a school, where it was eventually tranquillized after several hours of effort.
The leopard was successfully tranquillized inside a house on Lane No. 6 around 11 a.m., after which the teams prepared to transport it to Jhalana Reserve.
In recent months, there have been numerous reports of leopard sightings across various parts of Jaipur, including Civil Lines, Vidyadhar Nagar, Durgapura, Gopalpura, Jaisinghpura, Jagatpura, Malviya Nagar Industrial Area, and Kho Nagorian.
Forest officials attributed the leopards' frequent appearances to dwindling prey in nearby forest areas, which is pushing them closer to human settlements.
Wildlife specialists believe that the reduction of habitat and a lack of prey in forested regions are driving leopards into urban areas.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the increasing tensions between wildlife and urban development. The repeated sightings of leopards in residential areas underscore a pressing issue that needs immediate attention from both authorities and the community. Understanding the dynamics between wildlife habitats and human settlements is essential for coexistence.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are leopards appearing in urban areas?
Leopards are moving into urban areas due to diminishing prey availability in their natural habitats, leading them to seek food in human settlements.
What actions are being taken to capture the leopard?
The Forest Department has initiated search operations based on CCTV footage to locate and safely tranquillize the leopard.
What should residents do if they see a leopard?
Residents are advised to stay indoors, alert local authorities, and avoid approaching the leopard.
Are there any safety measures in place for residents?
Local authorities are working to ensure the safety of residents and managing the situation with regular updates.
What is the status of the previous leopard sighting?
The leopard from the Vidhyadhar Nagar sighting was tranquillized and safely relocated to Jhalana Reserve.
