Leopard scare takes over FRI campus in Dehradun

The regular spotting of leopards on the reputed Forest Research Institute (FRI) campus in state capital is giving sleepless nights to both local inhabitants and visitors too. Though sighting of cobras and other dangerous snakes is a common feature in the area, the movement of leopards since the past few months in this vast territory has left people worried and scared.

A senior official of the institute admitted that he himself spotted a leopard one night while he was returning home few months back. ‘From that day onwards an unknown fear clouds my mind when I step outside in the silence of night while going for marriage ceremonies or other late night parties which can’t be avoided,’ he said.

Albeit no untoward incident has been reported so far, but families of FRI employees are living under constant fear. Many people have reported seeing the big cats from close quarters. There is no report of man-animal conflict here, but the rate of disappearing stray dogs has escalated in the recent past.

‘The latest report of sighting a leopard came in on 10 November at 8.40 pm. As per information available, the leopards are full-grown and their numbers may vary from two to three. But it’s difficult to give the exact account as there is no one to identify pug marks of moving leopards. We have already informed the local inhabitants of the campus to avoid movement alone after sunset and never allow children or pet dogs to come out of the house unguarded in the night hours, VP Khanduri, security officer of FRI, informed.

The state forest department has installed two trap cameras near observatory area and jungle areas. The security remains tight and alert round-the-clock, however, anticipating leopard movement is a difficult task. The administration of the institute has asked state forest department and wildlife institute to take necessary actions to catch the leopards and release them into interior jungles far from the human territory.    

The most vulnerable area of the campus is Champion block near the entrance gate from Ballupur side. In a widely circulated official pamphlet, the administration has informed that morning/evening walks are strictly prohibited in that particular portion. And, if the movement is indispensable, then group movement is advised to ensure security.