Ganesh Naik, Maharashtra’s Forest Minister, has announced that the state government is considering setting up leopard safaris across Mumbai and all districts in response to a significant rise in the leopard population.
Speaking after a public grievance redressal meeting, the minister said that the leopard population in Maharashtra has increased nearly fourfold over the past seven to eight years.
He noted that the highest concentration of leopards is currently found in parts of Pune district, especially Junnar, Ambegaon, and Shirur, as well as areas in Ahilyanagar district.
According to the Forest Department, around 250 leopards have been captured so far and kept in protected enclosures for safety and management purposes.
The minister said district-wise plans are being prepared to develop leopard safari projects in regions including Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur.
He also stated that similar initiatives will be extended to Marathwada and Khandesh regions, while separate tiger safari projects are being planned in Vidarbha.
Naik acknowledged that leopard sightings have also increased in Nashik, prompting forest authorities to strengthen monitoring and response measures.
He further expressed concern over organized groups involved in poaching and harming wild animals, stating that some networks have links beyond Maharashtra and even at international levels. He assured that strict action is being taken in coordination with the police and forest department against those involved.
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