Leopard Sighting Near Uttarkashi School Triggers Safety Concerns
A leopard was spotted near the government inter college in Baldogi village, located in the Chinyalisaur area of Uttarkashi district, on Friday. This unexpected wildlife encounter has sparked significant concern among local residents, school staff, and students, raising urgent safety issues in the community.
CCTV Footage Captures Leopard on School Campus
CCTV cameras installed at the school successfully captured the animal roaming freely on the campus grounds. The clear footage has intensified worries, prompting villagers and teachers to demand immediate action from the forest department to capture the big cat as soon as possible to prevent any potential incidents.
Increased Leopard Activity and Past Incidents Heighten Fears
School principal Amod Bhandari reported that leopard sightings around the college have noticeably increased in recent days. "Examinations are currently underway, and students and teachers arrive and leave at different times throughout the day. In such a situation, there is a genuine risk that the animal could enter the campus during active school hours," he explained, highlighting the timing as particularly alarming.
Bhandari further added that a leopard had attacked a motorcyclist in the same area just a few days prior, which has significantly heightened fears among residents. This previous incident underscores the potential danger posed by the leopard's presence near populated areas.
Forest Department Responds with Monitoring Measures
In response to the growing concerns, forest range officer Jagmohan Gangadi stated that forest department teams are actively patrolling the area to track the leopard's movements. Additionally, plans are underway to install sensor cameras to monitor the animal's activity more closely and ensure community safety.
The forest department's proactive measures aim to assess the situation thoroughly and implement strategies to safely manage the leopard, balancing wildlife conservation with public security in Uttarkashi.
