Pune, 18 July 2025: The Forest department and rescue organizations are working at a war footing to capture the leopards in the Pune airport area. So far, 30 entry points for the leopards have been closed. However, the presence of leopards near the runway still persists.
To keep a close watch on the leopards, 20 camera traps have been installed. Through that traps It has been revealed that more than one leopard has been present in the airport area. Additionally, wild cats and rabbits have also been spotted here.
The first sighting of a leopard at Pune airport occurred on April 28. However, a social organization claims that leopards have been present here for several years. The discovery of a leopard near the runway has raised concerns among passengers and authorities. There are extensive underground sewage lines in the vicinity of the runway and taxiway. Due to the presence of dogs and rabbits in this area, leopards also reside here.
However, there is a large network of pipelines here. Approximately 30 pipelines where leopard tracks were found have been closed with nets. Despite this, a leopard was spotted inside the airport premises by Air Force officials a few days ago.
The leopard was seen in the CCTV a few days ago. The rainy channels used for hiding the leopard have been closed with nets. The forest department and airport authority are keeping a close watch on it. Nets and cages have been installed.
- Muralidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation
We are keeping an eye on the leopard's movements. We are focusing on necessary measures to ensure it does not pose a threat to the aircraft and passengers. Once food supply diminishes, he will not remain in this area.
- Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President of Rescue Charitable Trust, Pune
What was done to catch the leopard?
A cage was set up in 6 locations so far.
The Leopard passed by the cage, but did not get trapped
Camera traps were set up in 20 locations.
Efforts to track the leopard using trained 'sniffer dogs'.
A 'walking trap' was set up near a channel.
Despite all this, not a single leopard has been caught so far.
Why did the airport become the leopard's 'terrain'?
There is a large area of about 2900 acres inside Pune airport.
Airport has very little human presence.
Abundant availability of food like dogs and rabbits.
Plenty of water as well.
Space available for hiding in the channels under the runway and taxiway.
