In recent incidents at Goregaon Film City, Mumbai, leopards have repeatedly made their way onto the sets of Marathi TV serials, sparking alarm among workers and artists. The All Indian Cine Workers Association president, Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, expressed grave concern, stating that more than 200 people present on the sets were put at risk, emphasizing the need for immediate government intervention to prevent further occurrences.
Leopard Menace Continues Unabated
The spate of leopard intrusions has been escalating over the past 10 days, with this being the third or fourth such instance. Despite the gravity of the situation, the government's measures to control leopard movements have been criticized as inadequate. Suresh Shyamlal Gupta strongly urged the government to take decisive action to address the leopard menace. He warned that if urgent steps were not taken to ensure the safety of workers and artists within Film City, thousands of them may go on strike in protest.
Recent Incidents Unveil the Risk
During the shooting of the Marathi TV serial 'Ajooni' on July 18, a leopard, accompanied by its cub, was spotted on the sets. The presence of more than 200 crew members increased the potential danger, and the leopard even attacked a dog during the incident. Prompted by these occurrences, officials visited the site and evaluated the situation. Goregaon Film City's location on the boundary of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, adjacent to the Aarey Milk Colony, adds to the challenge of dealing with the constant presence of leopards. The situation has created a fearful atmosphere among actors and unit staff visiting the area for shooting.
#WATCH | A leopard, along with its cub, entered the sets of a Marathi TV serial in Goregaon Film City, Mumbai yesterday.
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2023
All Indian Cine Workers Association president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta says, "More than 200 people were present at the set, someone could have lost life. This… pic.twitter.com/m1YgSXARl6
Wildlife Struggles Amidst Heavy Rains
In addition to the leopard intrusions, Mumbai's strays and wildlife are grappling with the impact of heavy rainfall. The city experienced its wettest July ever, with a record-breaking 1557.8 mm of rainfall. The India Meteorological Department upgraded the alert level from 'orange' to 'red' in response to incessant heavy rains.
Increasing Leopard Population in India
Data reveals a concerning trend of rising leopard numbers in India. The population of these big cats saw a significant increase of approximately 63 per cent from 2014 to 2018, leading to heightened encounters with human settlements.
Other Incidents of Leopard Encounters
Apart from the recent incident at 'Ajooni,' there have been other instances of leopards gaining access to TV show sets in Goregaon Film City. In one case, during the launch of Kamya Punjabi's new show, 'Neerja Ek Nayi Pehchaan,' a leopard intruded into the premises, raising further safety concerns. The menacing presence of leopards extends beyond Film City, as evidenced by a recent incident in Pabe village, Velhe taluka. The attack resulted in the death of a cow and two dogs, leaving the villagers gripped with fear. Despite immediate notification to the forest department, the elusive leopard remains uncaptured, causing villagers to fear leaving their homes, even during daylight hours.
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