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Key Points

Maharashtra is constructing a wall around Sanjay Gandhi National Park to curb leopard-human conflicts. The park houses 54 leopards, monitored via CCTV and patrols. Families of past attack victims received Rs 20 lakh compensation. Residents near the park will be rehabilitated in Aarey Colony.

Key Points: Maharashtra to Build Wall Around Sanjay Gandhi National Park to Stop Leopard Attacks

  • Wall construction underway to prevent leopards from straying into human areas
  • 54 leopards in SGNP with sufficient prey and fruit trees
  • Rs 20 lakh compensation given to families of leopard attack victims
  • Rehabilitation planned for residents near SGNP in Aarey Colony
2 min read

Maha: Wall around Sanjay Gandhi National Park to be built to prevent leopards from entering human settlements

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announces a wall around SGNP to prevent leopards from entering human settlements, alongside rehabilitation plans.

"“The number of leopards in Sanjay Gandhi National Park is 54. CCTV cameras and patrol teams monitor their movements.” – Ganesh Naik"

Mumbai, July 8

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Tuesday told the state council that work is underway to build a wall on all four sides of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to prevent leopards from entering human settlements.

In his reply to a question raised by Shiv Sena UBT legislator Milind Narvekar, the minister said that various measures are being taken to protect the citizens of Sanjay Gandhi National Park here from leopard attacks. Similarly, the citizens of this place will be rehabilitated by building houses in the Aarey area outside the national park through the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority.

Minister Naik said, “The number of leopards in Sanjay Gandhi National Park is 54. The number of animals for their food is also sufficient. An adequate number of fruit trees are being planted to nurture the small animals. CCTV cameras have been installed inside the park to monitor the movements of wild animals. Consideration is also being given to take the help of a satellite. Monitoring is also being done through patrol teams.”

He informed that three deaths have occurred in leopard attacks in the last few years, and their families have been given assistance of Rs 20 lakhs each. He further said that awareness is being created on behalf of the government and through social organisations about not leaving children alone. He added that there are 22 leopards in the leopard health check-up centre, and they are being treated there.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Ashish Jaiswal, in another question told the state council that farmers will not be deprived of compensation in the case of loss of crops even if he has not opted for crop insurance.

In his reply to the BJP member Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil, the minister said, “Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers are provided compensation through the Central and State Governments. In case of loss, assistance should be provided through the government instead of depending on the insurance company. This is the stand of the government, and farmers will not be deprived of compensation for taking out crop insurance.”

Minister Jaiswal said that compensation has been given to farmers in the Solapur district for the crop insurance losses they suffered earlier. Additional insurance compensation of Rs 81.80 crore has been approved for the remaining 69,954 insurance applications. This amount will be given by the Finance Department in the next three to four days.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While the wall might help, what about the leopards' natural habitat? 54 leopards in that small area is concerning 😔 We're encroaching on their space. The fruit trees and CCTV are good steps but long-term solution needed. Maybe wildlife corridors?
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Aman W
Good to see the government taking concrete steps. The satellite monitoring idea is innovative! But implementation is key - hope they don't do shoddy work like most public projects. Also, ₹81 crore for crop insurance is a welcome move for farmers 👏
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Sarah B
As someone who regularly visits SGNP, I'm concerned about how this wall will affect the park's ecosystem. The leopards were here first - shouldn't we find ways to coexist? The awareness programs are more important than physical barriers.
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Vikram M
The Aarey rehabilitation plan sounds promising but execution matters. Remember the Metro car shed protests? Hope they've learned from that. On the crop insurance - finally some relief for farmers after years of struggle. Better late than never!
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Nisha Z
They're treating 22 leopards in health center? That's nearly half the population! Shows how much human interference has affected them. The wall might stop attacks but what about their declining health? Need more wildlife vets and proper conservation measures.

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