Special Correspondent
Pimpri Chinchwad: A leopard sighting in the Nigdi area of Pimpri Chinchwad prompted a quick and efficient rescue operation, thanks to a coordinated response from the Pune Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, PCMC Police, and the Fire Department.
The alert came in at 9:15 AM when Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Deepak Pawar received a report about the leopard’s presence. He immediately notified Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President of RESQ Charitable Trust, who swiftly mobilized her team. By 9:45 AM, Panchamiya and Nachiket Utpat from RESQ arrived at the scene, assessed the situation, and began tracking the leopard’s movements.
Initially spotted in a public park, the leopard then entered a row house compound where only caretakers were present. After a thorough search, it was discovered that the animal had sought refuge behind a tin shed at the rear of the property.
As the Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, and PCMC Police cautiously approached, the leopard unexpectedly jumped back into the park, seeking shelter near a room occupied by a woman and two young adults. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, RESQ CT veterinarian Dr. Kalyani Thakur quickly tranquilized the leopard to ensure a safe and peaceful resolution.
“Once the leopard was immobilized, it was carefully extracted and transported in a rescue ambulance for medical evaluation,” explained Panchamiya. “The animal, identified as a healthy male, is currently being assessed at the Wildlife Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) in Bavdhan.”
Mahadev Mohite, DCF (T) of the Pune Forest Department, praised the teamwork involved in the operation: “This successful rescue was a joint effort from the Pune Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, PCMC Police, PCMC Fire Department, Hon. Wildlife Warden Aditya Paranjape, and the local wildlife group Scales & Tales. We also received tremendous support from the local community, which played an essential role in ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.”
Thanks to the prompt action and effective collaboration, the situation was resolved without harm to the public or the leopard.
