Polls and Issues: As leopard sightings cause fear and uncertainty, Pune residents demand clarity, coordination

Over November and December 2025, close to half a dozen of leopard sightings were reported from Pune city. (Express Archive)

With multiple leopard sightings reported in densely populated urban spaces of Pune, residents and wildlife experts have raised serious concerns ahead of the upcoming civic polls. Beyond immediate safety fears, they have flagged the spread of misinformation and stressed the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-agency response mechanism to address human-wildlife conflict in the city areas.

Over November and December last year close to half a dozen sightings of the leopards were reported from Pune city, including at the Pune airport, Aundh, Bavdhan and Pashan-Sutarwadi and Keshav Nagar in Mundhwa. Among these locations, a leopard was captured by the forest department from the Pune airport premises.

“When it comes to senior citizens like us, stepping out of the house for walks and strolls in the morning and evening became frightening after the sighting of the leopard was reported,” said 68-year-old Pashan resident Vaijanath Kale. “Because of the sighting of the leopard not far from our residential society, we were asked not to step out. It meant our daily routines, our health were affected. We understand the animal has its own habitat, but we need clear information and timely alerts so that we are not living in constant fear because of rumours or sudden sightings. For the last one months, there have been no reports of sightings, but there is still a sense of fear as no one knows what happened to the leopard,” Kale added.

Neha Panchamiya, founder and president, RESQ Charitable Trust, which has been working closely with the forest department in human-leopard conflict, said, “The forest department and RESQ team continue to respond promptly to every credible report of a leopard sighting in and around the city. In urban settings, effective management depends on smooth coordination between all key stakeholders beyond just the forest department and rescue teams, and includes the police department, fire department, elected representatives, and local citizens, each playing a clearly defined role so that situations can be handled safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary panic.”

Panchamiya added, “What often complicates these responses are rumours or unverified messages circulating on social media, which can trigger public anxiety and divert essential resources. Strengthening official information-sharing channels, ensuring that updates come only from authorised sources, and fostering greater public awareness on how to respond responsibly to such situations can significantly improve overall preparedness. As the city expands and encounters become more frequent, this collaborative and informed approach remains vital for safeguarding both people and wildlife.”

Sathish K, an IT professional and resident of Bavdhan, said, “We have good walking areas and also a hill walking track where many locals including senior citizens, families with children come to relax and exercise. The reports of leopard presence have not just caused panic but also created a sense of uncertainty about these spaces. I feel that it is important that our elected representatives from the PMC play the role of local coordinators with other agencies and make sure that the citizens are safe.”

Sharada Sutar, who works as domestic help in the Pashan area, said, “I leave home before sunrise and return only after dark, so these leopard reports are very frightening. We and hundreds of women like me don’t have the option of staying indoors. Many of us walk long distances or wait at bus stops early in the morning. When messages about leopards come on WhatsApp, we don’t know what is true and what is not, but the fear stays. At least we should be told authentic information so we know when it is safe to step out and when to be careful.”