Srinagar, July 20: A prolonged man-animal conflict mitigation operation at Ompora Housing Colony in Budgam concluded successfully after two leopards were safely captured during the intervening night of July 19 and 20, officials said.
With one leopard having been captured earlier on June 21, the total number of leopards captured from the area has now reached three. The second leopard was captured at around 12:15 a.m., while the third was trapped at 5:30 a.m. today on 20th of July, following sustained surveillance and coordinated field operations throughout the night.
“Ompora and its adjoining localities have remained a persistent hotspot for leopard movement, prompting the Department of Wildlife Protection to establish a temporary Man-Animal Conflict camp in the area in May. As sightings continued and concerns regarding public safety increased, the camp was subsequently upgraded into a 24×7 MAC Control Room. The team remained continuously stationed at Ompora for nearly three months, undertaking round-the-clock surveillance, responding to public reports and maintaining trapping arrangements under challenging field conditions” an official statement said.
The operation was lead by Range Officer Sajid Farooq, with the field team headed by Block Officer Bashir Ahmad. Their sustained presence, professional handling of the situation and close coordination with supporting agencies played a key role in the successful outcome. The Wildlife Protection Department was supported throughout the operation by personnel from Forest Protection Force Units K-01 Srinagar and K-03 Budgam, as well as officials deputed by the Pir Panjal Forest Division. The District Police Budgam, district administration and local authorities also extended essential support in maintaining public safety and facilitating field operations.
“The coordinated efforts of all participating departments ensured the safe and humane capture of the three leopards, considerably reducing the immediate threat to residents of Ompora and adjoining areas. The successful operation stands as an example of effective interdepartmental coordination in managing human-wildlife conflict while safeguarding both human life and wildlife” said Altaf Hussain, Wildlife warden Wetlands division.
