Leopard Sighting In Thane’s Pokhran Area Triggers Alert, Forest Department Steps Up Surveillance

A leopard sighting in Thane’s densely populated Pokhran Road No. 2 area on Thursday afternoon caused brief panic among residents, prompting swift action from the forest department and local police. Officials have since intensified monitoring and urged citizens to remain calm while following safety protocols.

Leopard Spotted Near Closed Factory

According to officials, the wild animal was spotted inside the premises of a shuttered factory near Bethany Hospital around 2 pm. A local resident alerted authorities after noticing movement resembling a leopard within the factory compound. The area, which is surrounded by residential buildings, hospitals, and commercial establishments, witnessed heightened concern soon after the sighting.

Teams from the Thane forest department and Vartak Nagar police station reached the location immediately after receiving the alert. The premises were secured, and residents nearby were advised to stay indoors as a precautionary measure.

Authorities Respond Swiftly

Pravin Mane, Senior Inspector at Vartak Nagar police station, confirmed that police personnel coordinated closely with forest officials to manage the situation. “We received information from a resident about a possible leopard sighting. The forest department was informed immediately, and joint teams were deployed to assess the situation,” he said.

While no injuries or damage were reported, officials stressed that sightings of wild animals in urban areas require careful handling to ensure public safety.

Forest Department Intensifies Vigil

Narendra Muthe from the Thane forest department stated that surveillance has been stepped up following the incident. Camera traps have been installed in and around the area to confirm the presence and movement of the animal.

“At this stage, we are monitoring the area closely. Camera traps have been set up to verify whether the leopard is still in the vicinity or was passing through,” Muthe said. He added that leopard movement into urban pockets is not uncommon, especially in regions close to forested zones and hill areas.

Residents Advised Not To Panic

Forest officials and police have conducted awareness briefings with nearby housing societies, advising residents not to panic and to follow established safety guidelines. Citizens have been instructed to avoid venturing out alone at night, keep balconies and doors secured, and refrain from crowding or attempting to track the animal if sighted.

Residents have also been asked to immediately inform the forest department or police if they spot the animal again, rather than sharing unverified information on social media.

Urban Expansion And Wildlife Movement

Experts note that increasing urbanisation, construction activity, and shrinking green corridors often push wild animals such as leopards into human-dominated areas. Thane, which lies close to forested regions and national parks, has reported similar sightings in the past.

Forest officials emphasised that leopards are generally elusive animals and tend to avoid human contact. “In most cases, such animals move through urban areas temporarily and return to forested zones,” an official said.

Ongoing Monitoring Continues

As of now, there has been no confirmation of the leopard’s continued presence, and the situation remains under control. Forest department teams are maintaining round-the-clock vigilance until camera trap footage provides clarity.

Authorities reiterated that cooperation from citizens is essential to ensure both public safety and wildlife protection, urging residents to remain alert but calm as monitoring continues.