Maharashtra Commission Orders Forest Department to Act on Leopard Attacks

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has intervened in a severe human-animal conflict in Pimpalwandi village, Pune, issuing directives to the forest department following multiple leopard attacks on local residents. The Commission’s actions were prompted by alarming videos that surfaced on social media and YouTube, showcasing leopards preying on livestock and encroaching on the home of local resident Mayur Wagh.

Disturbing Incidents Prompt Commission Action

The Commission, led by Justice A. M. Badar, described the footage as “startling,” highlighting violent encounters that pose significant threats to human safety. The incidents have reportedly inflicted financial losses on Wagh due to livestock killings and have severely disrupted the education of his children, who now struggle to attend school without their father’s support.

In its order, the MSHRC noted, “Prima facie, those panthers have become dangerous to human life,” emphasizing that the situation constitutes a serious violation of fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. This article not only guarantees the right to life but also mandates environmental protection, urging the state to strike a balance between human safety and wildlife conservation.

Commission’s Directives to Forest Department

In response to the escalating crisis, the MSHRC has mandated the Forest Department to implement several measures for ensuring the safety of Wagh’s family. These include the deployment of at least two forest guards around the clock at Wagh’s residence. Additionally, the Commission directed the provision of transport facilities for Wagh’s children to guarantee their safe passage to and from school.

The Commission also ordered the establishment of trap cages with suitable bait in the vicinity to capture the leopards responsible for the attacks. The order reflects a growing concern for the welfare of residents, particularly children who are vulnerable to such threats.

The Commission expressed dismay over reports that forest officials had suggested Wagh procure live prey, such as sheep, at his own expense for the department’s trap cages. “The Forest Department or its Wildlife Wing has not even kept guards at the premises to protect the human life of residents, where small children are living,” the order stated, referencing a specific incident where a leopard attacked a calf just feet from the family home, narrowly missing a child who sought refuge indoors.

The MSHRC found the situation urgent enough to grant interim relief under Section 18(c) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Notices were issued to the Forest Department, demanding an explanation for their inaction. The Commission warned that failure to comply with its directives would lead to “appropriate action as per law.”

As the conflict between human populations and wildlife continues to escalate in various regions, the MSHRC’s intervention underscores the need for effective measures to protect both residents and wildlife.