SURAT DISTRICT: The once-peaceful Baratad village in Mahuva taluka is now gripped by trepidation as leopard sightings become increasingly frequent. Over the past week, the village, along with several other tehsils in the Surat district, has reported multiple encounters with these majestic yet fearsome wild cats, often involving entire leopard families.
Mahuva tehsil, known for its indigenous tribal populace primarily involved in agriculture and animal husbandry, has borne the brunt of this unexpected wildlife encroachment. With leopard sightings no longer restricted to just agricultural land but expanding into residential areas, the villagers are resorting to nightly patrols, not to deter human thieves, but to guard against potential leopard attacks. As a precautionary measure, every evening, they are arming themselves with torches to traverse their surroundings.
Farmers and laborers now dread nocturnal tasks, fearing ambushes from these predators, particularly when fields are irrigated. The frequency of these encounters isn't limited to the nighttime either. Reports suggest daytime sightings of leopards by farm workers, bureaucrats, and even students returning home.
Increased leopard sightings, particularly in the talukas of Bardoli, Mandvi, and Mahuva, hint at a possible growth in the leopard population, drawing parallels to wildlife sanctuaries. However, locals are frustrated with the perceived apathy of the Forest Department. Despite numerous complaints and pleas for intervention by the residents and local NGOs, the department's response seems to be limited to just installing cages.
The growing concern has culminated in a clarion call for the Forest Department to undertake a comprehensive survey of the region and deploy advanced measures, like cages equipped with tranquilizing solutions. Such proactive steps, residents argue, are not just crucial for their safety but are also imperative for the humane treatment and eventual relocation of these wild cats.
