Leopard Sighted in Nigdi Pimpri Chinchwad; Rescued after a 2-Hour Multi Agency Operation | Watch Videos
In a well-coordinated operation, a leopard sighting in the Sant Kabir Udyan area of Nigdi, Pimpri Chinchwad, led to a prompt rescue involving the Pune Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, PCMC Police, and Fire Department.
The incident began at 9:15 AM when Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Deepak Pawar of the Pune Forest Division received information about a leopard in the area. He immediately informed Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President of RESQ Charitable Trust. Panchamiya quickly mobilized her team, and by 9:45 AM, she along with RESQ team member Nachiket Utpat had reached the location to assess the situation.
Watch visuals capturing the leopard sighting and swift rescue in Nigdi! A coordinated effort by the Pune Forest Department, RESQ CT, and PCMC Police ensured public safety in Pimpri Chinchwad. #PuneNews #LeopardRescue #WildlifeSafety #NigdiAlert #TeamEffort pic.twitter.com/jS3NtXgbDN
— Punenow News (@itspunenow) February 2, 2025
Initially spotted in a public park, the leopard soon entered a row house compound where only caretakers were present. A thorough search revealed that the animal had taken shelter behind a tin shed at the back of the property. As the combined teams of the Pune Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, and PCMC Police cautiously closed in, the leopard moved back into the park and sought cover near a room where a woman and two young adults were present.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, RESQ CT Veterinarian Dr. Kalyani Thakur administered a safe tranquilization. Once immobilized, the healthy male leopard was carefully extracted and transported in a rescue ambulance for a medical assessment. The animal is currently undergoing evaluation at the Wildlife Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) in Bavdhan.
VIDEO | A leopard that had ventured into Nigdi area of Pimpri Chinchwad was tranquilised and rescued earlier today.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 2, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/3o5yltfEAo
Shri Mahadev Mohite, DCF (T) of the Pune Forest Department, praised the teamwork and coordination:
“The successful rescue operation was a joint effort by the Pune Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, PCMC Police, PCMC Fire Department, Wildlife Warden Aditya Paranjape, and local wildlife organization Scales & Tales. Tremendous cooperation from the local community played a crucial role in ensuring a safe and efficient rescue.”
This incident highlights the effective collaboration between various agencies and the local community in addressing wildlife concerns and ensuring public safety.
