Amid increasing incidents of leopards entering human settlements due to habitat loss, the Maharashtra government has taken a significant step to address the growing human-wildlife conflict. State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced in the Maharashtra Assembly that the state cabinet has approved a proposal to reclassify leopards from Schedule I to Schedule II under wildlife protection regulations.
The state government is currently seeking formal approval from the Central Wildlife Department to implement the change.
No Legal Action in Self-Defense Cases
Speaking in the Assembly on Thursday, Ganesh Naik said that once leopards are moved to Schedule II, individuals who kill a leopard in self-defense or while protecting others after it enters human settlements will not face legal action.
The minister made the statement while responding to a calling attention motion raised by MLA Satyajeet Deshmukh, who highlighted the increasing presence of leopards in his constituency and demanded their inclusion under Schedule II to reduce conflict.
Steps to Reduce Human-Leopard Conflict
Naik confirmed that instructions have been issued to officially declare leopards that enter human settlements and threaten lives as ‘man-eaters’, allowing authorities to take necessary action.
He also shared details about population control measures. Maharashtra had proposed the sterilization of 150 leopards to the central government. In response, the Centre has allowed the experimental capture and sterilization of five female leopards as a pilot initiative.
To enhance safety in sensitive areas, forest department patrols have been intensified in regions reporting frequent human-leopard conflict. Authorities have also been instructed to keep school schedules flexible in areas where leopard sightings are common, ensuring the safety of students.
Expansion of Rescue Centres for Wild Animals
To manage captured wild animals, the Maharashtra government is expanding the capacity of existing rescue centers for tigers, leopards, and other predatory species.
Officials are also exploring options to transfer captured leopards to zoos and wildlife rescue centers in other states, subject to approval from the Central Zoo Authority.
Need to Balance Development and Environmental Protection
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal stressed in the Legislative Council that maintaining a balance between development and environmental protection is one of the biggest challenges today.
Responding to a discussion raised by member Amol Mitkari under Rule 92, Jaiswal said modern infrastructure such as cement-concrete houses and new roads are essential for development, but strict measures are also needed to curb pollution.
“We cannot stop development, but we must launch large-scale public awareness campaigns to reduce water, air, and noise pollution,” the minister said.
Call for Environmental Awareness and Reduced Plastic Use
Jaiswal suggested making environmental studies compulsory at the school level so that children develop ecological awareness from an early age.
He also expressed concern about poor waste management in rural areas and the rapid rise in plastic usage, urging citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives in daily household activities, religious ceremonies, and weddings.
The government believes that public participation and responsible lifestyle changes will play a crucial role in protecting the environment while supporting sustainable development.
