BUDGAM, JULY 21: In a successful wildlife operation, three leopards were safely captured at Housing Colony Ompora, Budgam.
The Wildlife Department in close coordination of District Administration Budgam safely captured two leopards during the intervening night of July 19 and 20, taking the total number of leopards captured from the area to three. One leopard was captured on June 21, following sustained surveillance and coordinated field operations.
Ompora and its adjoining localities had remained a persistent hotspot for leopard movement, prompting the Department of Wildlife Protection to establish a temporary Man-Animal Conflict (MAC) Camp in the area in May. In view of continued leopard sightings and growing public concern, the camp was subsequently upgraded into a 24×7 MAC Control Room.
The MAC team, as per an official statement, remained stationed at Ompora for nearly three months, carrying out round-the-clock surveillance, responding promptly to public reports and maintaining trapping arrangements under challenging field conditions.
The operation was led by Range Officer Sajid Farooq, while the field team was headed by Block Officer Bashir Ahmad. Their sustained efforts, professional handling of the situation and close coordination with supporting agencies were instrumental in the successful completion of the operation.
The District Police Budgam, district administration and local authorities extended vital support in ensuring public safety and facilitating field operations.
The coordinated efforts of all the participating departments ensured the safe and humane capture of the three leopards, significantly reducing the immediate threat to residents of Ompora and adjoining areas.
Appreciating the dedication and professionalism of the MAC team of the Wetlands Division, Kashmir, and all supporting agencies, Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Division Kashmir, Altaf Hussain, said the successful operation exemplifies effective interdepartmental coordination in managing human-wildlife conflict while ensuring the safety of both people and wildlife.
