Should the Maharashtra Government Request the Centre to Reclassify Leopards?
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra government is taking urgent action to address the rising leopard attacks on humans by appealing to the Centre for new classifications. This move aims to provide authorities with more tools to manage the escalating man-animal conflicts effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government seeks to reclassify leopards for better management.
- Increasing leopard attacks prompt urgent action.
- Current Schedule I protections complicate intervention.
- Proposed changes aim to enhance public safety.
- Chief Minister directs establishment of rescue centers.
Nagpur, Dec 8 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has formally requested the Centre to remove leopards from Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act and to include them in Schedule 2, citing a concerning rise in civilian fatalities due to leopard attacks across the state.
On Monday, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik remarked that the escalating man-animal conflict had been a significant topic of discussion within the state government, and they have urged the Centre for prompt intervention.
Naik noted that his suggestion to allow forest department officials to shoot leopards following several fatal incidents, particularly in residential areas, faced backlash from conservationists. He explained, “Leopards are classified under Schedule One, which imposes strict limitations on capturing and culling man-eating leopards. Therefore, we have proposed to the Central government to reclassify leopards from Schedule One.” He added that the Central government has granted permission for the sterilization of leopards, indicating that man-eating leopards should be located and sterilized.
The forest department sources indicate that leopards currently have the highest level of protection under Schedule I, complicating the process for dealing with “man-eating” leopards.
With a recent spike in fatal leopard attacks, particularly in the Pune, Nashik, and Ahilyanagar districts, there has been a rising demand from residents and politicians for government action. The aim of moving leopards to Schedule 2 is to facilitate more effective interventions in conflict areas, granting authorities increased flexibility in handling troublesome animals, which may include easier capture, translocation, or, in severe cases, lethal action if they cannot be captured or tranquilized.
Naik's announcement follows a directive from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who recently led a meeting instructing the administration to propose declaring the increasing incidents of leopard attacks on humans as a 'state disaster.' He also called for the immediate installation of cages in affected areas to manage leopards threatening human safety.
Additionally, the chief minister has tasked relevant departments with establishing two rescue centers in Pune district for the treatment and rehabilitation of leopards within the next two to three months. He has also directed the use of drones to locate leopards near human populations and to establish new rescue facilities for captured leopards.
Point of View
The recent surge in leopard attacks presents a significant concern for both human safety and wildlife management. The Maharashtra government's proposed reclassification of leopards could provide necessary flexibility in handling these complex conflicts, balancing conservation efforts with public safety.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Maharashtra government requesting a change in leopard classification?
The government aims to address the rising fatalities from leopard attacks by allowing more flexible management options for dealing with man-eating leopards.
What are the current protections for leopards under the Wildlife Protection Act?
Leopards are currently listed under Schedule I, which provides them with the highest level of protection, making it difficult to manage problematic individuals.
What actions are being proposed to mitigate leopard attacks?
Proposals include reclassifying leopards to Schedule 2, allowing for better management practices, including capture, translocation, and in extreme cases, culling.
What has been the public response to leopard attacks?
Residents and politicians have increasingly demanded government action in light of the fatalities and ongoing conflict between humans and leopards.
What measures is the Chief Minister proposing for leopards?
The Chief Minister has instructed the establishment of rescue centers for leopards and the use of drones to monitor their movements near human settlements.
