In response to the increasing incidents of leopards entering human settlements in Maharashtra due to habitat destruction, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced that the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved reclassifying leopards from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2. This move aims to prevent legal action against individuals who kill leopards in self-defense or protection. Maharashtra is currently awaiting approvals from the Central Wildlife Department to finalize this reclassification.
Member Satyajit Deshmukh raised concerns about the growing leopard presence in his constituency and pushed for including leopards in Schedule 2. He also questioned the government about measures to mitigate human-animal conflicts. Minister Naik confirmed the decision to reclassify leopards and issued directives to label leopards entering human settlements and causing harm as “man-eaters.”
The state proposed sterilizing 150 leopards to the Central Government, which has granted permission to capture and sterilize five female leopards on a trial basis. To address human-leopard conflicts, intensified patrolling in sensitive areas and flexible school schedules in high-leopard sighting zones have been implemented. Efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of rescue centers for wild predators and transfer captured leopards to zoos and wildlife centers in other states with Central Zoo Authority approval.
Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal stressed the importance of balancing state development with environmental conservation. He highlighted the necessity for societal lifestyle changes to protect the environment, emphasizing the need for aggressive measures against pollution. Jaiswal proposed mandatory environmental studies from the school level to instill eco-conscious values early on, addressing issues like waste management in rural areas and the surge in plastic use.
