A startling wildlife encounter has put authorities and residents of Thane's Pokhran 2 area on high alert. On Thursday afternoon, locals claimed to have spotted a leopard roaming inside the premises of a shut factory located near Bethany Hospital, triggering an immediate response from the forest department.
Resident Alert Leads to Swift Official Action
The chain of events began around 2 pm on Thursday when an alert resident reported seeing the wild cat inside the closed factory compound. This information was promptly relayed to the Vartak Nagar police station. Senior Inspector Pravin Mane confirmed that his team was informed about the sighting, following which they quickly alerted the Thane forest department to take charge of the situation.
Forest Department Steps Up Vigilance and Deploys Technology
Officials from the Thane forest department have swung into action to verify the presence of the leopard and ensure public safety. Narendra Muthe from the department stated that they have significantly increased their vigil in the area surrounding the factory. As a key measure to confirm the animal's presence, the department has set up camera traps. These devices will help officials monitor movement and gather evidence without unnecessarily disturbing the animal or putting staff at immediate risk.
Safety Protocols Communicated to Concerned Residents
Understanding the anxiety such an incident can cause, the authorities have also proactively reached out to people living in nearby residential societies. Residents have been assured not to panic and have been briefed on the standard protocol to follow in case anyone spots the leopard again. Key safety instructions typically include avoiding the area, not attempting to approach or photograph the animal at close range, and immediately informing the forest department or police control room.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife coexistence in urban fringes. While the forest department's swift deployment of camera traps and increased patrols is a calibrated response, the sighting has undoubtedly caused concern in the Pokhran 2 neighborhood. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging calm and caution until the leopard's presence is confirmed and appropriate action can be taken.
