Forest department advisory puts Mohmmadwai, Sinhgad fort on leopard alert

We will check for leopard pugmarks. As a safety measure, we are requesting tourists at Mohmmadwai, Sinhgad fort to avoid returning late from the fort, says forest department official

PUNE The Pune Forest Department, on Sunday, has issued an advisory for citizens accessing the forest areas around Sinhgad fort and Mohammadwadi in particular.

Sudhir Khirid a villager from Gorhe Budruk claimed that he had seen a leopard near the Tanaji Malsure garden late on Saturday evening. (HT PHOTO)

The advisory asks all persons to ensure they are out of the forest areas before sunset at the latest.

This comes after repeated reports of leopards being spotted in the areas.

Sudhir Khirid a villager from Gorhe Budruk claimed that he had seen a leopard near the Tanaji Malsure garden late on Saturday evening.

Khiri claimed that he was returning from the fort with his two children on a two-wheeler when he saw the animal. He immediately informed the officials at the check post.

Pradip Sankpal, range forest officer of the Bhamburda range forest said, “We will check for pugmarks. As a safety measure, we are requesting tourists to avoid returning late from the fort.”

A month ago, it was reported that a leopard was spotted in the Ambi area, 15km to 20 km away from the fort, the range forest officer stated.