Leopard Roams Village Near Ujjain, Authorities Issue Safety Advisory
The Forest Department in Ujjain district has issued a crucial safety advisory for residents of Reechhoda Kheda village in the Shujalpur area. This action comes after confirmed reports of a leopard moving in the vicinity, raising concerns for the local community.
Discovery and Initial Sighting
The chain of events began on Sunday when farmers working in their fields made a grim discovery: the mutilated remains of a chital (spotted deer). This kill pointed directly to the presence of a large predator in the area. The suspicion was soon confirmed when villagers spotted the leopard near a local water-body.
Some residents reported seeing the animal lurking near bushes. Concerned for their safety, a group of villagers took matters into their own hands on Sunday afternoon, searching nearby fields armed with sticks. During this search, the leopard was seen again, this time in the dam area, where it was observed climbing up on the far side of the water-body. The alert villagers managed to capture a video of the animal, providing clear evidence of its presence.
Villager Devkar Singh Rajput stated, "I saw the leopard going across the river," corroborating the sightings.
Official Response and Precautionary Measures
Acting swiftly on the reports from the villagers, the forest department deployed a patrol team to monitor the situation. Deputy Ranger Pappu Singh Baghel officially acknowledged the movement, saying, "There is leopard movement in Reechhoda Kheda and villagers have been advised to be cautious."
The department has issued clear guidelines for residents to ensure their safety. The primary advice is for people to avoid working alone in fields, especially during the night, when leopard activity typically increases. The advisory emphasizes heightened vigilance until the situation is resolved.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in regions bordering forested areas. While the forest department's team works on the ground, the cooperation of the local community in following safety protocols is deemed essential to prevent any unfortunate encounters.
