Residents of Panchkula's Sector 6 are living in a state of heightened anxiety as a leopard, first spotted five days ago, continues to evade wildlife authorities and remains within inhabited areas. The persistent presence of the big cat has put the local wildlife department on round-the-clock high alert, with intensified patrolling and rescue teams at the ready.
Trail of Sightings Across Residential Zones
The leopard was initially seen in a posh locality of the sector. The most recent sighting, which has further escalated concerns, was reported from the Command area. This pattern of movement indicates the animal is traversing through multiple residential and sensitive zones, refusing to retreat back to its natural habitat. An official stated that the leopard was last observed in the Officers Colony within the Cantonment area.
Wildlife department sources confirm that regular night patrols are being conducted due to the animal's failure to return to the wild. "Hopefully, in a day or two, it will go back to the Sukhna forest area," an official expressed cautiously. They added that if the leopard moves out of the Cantonment vicinity, its likely path would be towards the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Authorities Issue Safety Guidelines to Public
In response to the ongoing threat, the forest and wildlife department has issued urgent advisories to residents in the affected neighbourhoods. People are being strongly advised to avoid venturing out after dark. "Even if people need to step out, they should move in groups of two to three," emphasised a wildlife official. The department has also urged the public to stay calm, adhere strictly to the safety guidelines, and report any further sightings to the authorities immediately.
This incident is not an isolated one for Sector 6. Officials noted that similar leopard sightings have been reported in the area in the past, making this a recurring concern. The repeated appearances have understandably intensified fear among the local community.
Separate Sighting in Morni Village
In a related development, a separate leopard was reportedly spotted in Kandai village, located in the Morni region, on Thursday. Although this sighting occurred in a jungle area, it prompted forest and wildlife teams to intensify their patrolling efforts in that region as well. Villagers have been cautioned to remain vigilant.
The situation in Panchkula underscores the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in expanding urban areas. As authorities continue their relentless efforts to guide the leopard back to the Sukhna forest, the safety of residents remains the paramount priority.
