Leopard Sighted in Pune’s Bavdhan Area, Forest Department Launches Search
Pune, December 4 — The Pune forest department has initiated a search operation after a leopard was sighted on Pashan NDA Road in the Bavdhan area early Monday morning. This marks another instance of big cat sightings in the city’s urban spaces, following previous reports from Pune airport and Sindh Society in Aundh last November.
Residents of Bavdhan reported seeing the leopard around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, and a video capturing the sighting was forwarded to the forest department. An officer confirmed the presence of the leopard in the footage and stated that teams of wildlife experts and forest officials have conducted site inspections. “The likely movement corridor of the leopard appears to be around the Ramnadi rivulet. Camera traps have been installed, and a comprehensive search is underway,” he added.
The sighting took place in a neighborhood known for its residential complexes and popular walking paths. Local resident Dilip Vedepatil, a former corporator, shared details of the incident, saying, “The video was shot by my son’s friend, who was passing through the area. The leopard was seen near D Palace Chowk, close to Lantana Garden. The location is in the midst of residential and commercial spaces, which raises concerns about safety during daily activities.”
This is the first time the leopard has been spotted in this particular part of Bavdhan, although similar sightings have been reported a few kilometers away. The forest officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid panic, and rely only on verified information. They have also called for the installation of additional cameras to track the animal’s movements more effectively.
Resident Ashish Karade expressed apprehensions, saying, “It’s unsettling to know a leopard was seen on the same road used for morning and evening walks. Parents and senior citizens are especially worried. We hope the animal is tracked and captured quickly to prevent any untoward incidents.”
The forest department continues to monitor the situation, with ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and animal conservation.
