Leopard sightings trigger safety alert in Sambhal villages near Ganga riverbanks

Forest and police authorities in Sambhal have heightened vigilance following reports of leopard movement in villages along the Ganga riverbanks in the Gunnour area. An awareness meeting was organized on Sunday at the Tehsil Auditorium in Gunnour to prevent human-wildlife conflict incidents and ensure the safety of villagers.

The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Avdhesh Kumar, Circle Officer Ankit Mishra, village heads, and local residents. Officials issued specific advisories to villagers regarding the safety of children and domestic animals. Village heads were instructed to organize panchayat-level meetings to spread awareness among residents. Key precautions included not allowing children to go to school alone, preventing them from playing alone outside schools or in fields, and avoiding visits to agricultural areas after sunset.

Brajmohan, Forest Range Officer, informed that pamphlets have been distributed in villages vulnerable to human-wildlife conflict, and warnings are being broadcast through temple loudspeakers. Special alertness has been requested in villages with extensive sugarcane cultivation, where wildlife can easily hide. Villagers have also been advised against open defecation in fields.

The Circle Officer has directed the Gunnour police station in-charge to coordinate with forest department teams and ensure round-the-clock patrolling in sensitive areas. Forest department teams are conducting patrols in vulnerable villages and regions using four-wheel vehicles. The coordinated effort between forest officials and police administration aims to mitigate risks and maintain public safety as authorities work to manage the leopard presence in the region. The authorities remain committed to balancing wildlife protection with community security concerns.