Want safe capture, even if it takes long: Forest conservator

GURUGRAM: From tranquiliser darts to live baits, the 15-member team trying to rescue the leopard that strayed into the Manesar plant of carmaker Maruti tried every possible trick in the book to trap the animal.

The team, which comprises wildlife department officials, the district forest officer (wildlife), a vet and wildlife inspectors, reached the compound around 6.30am on Thursday. At the time of going to press, the rescue efforts had already stretched to 17 hours but the leopard continued to elude the catchers.

"The entire area was evacuated, and we cordoned off the engine unit. It is very difficult to spot the leopard as the engine unit is huge. Though we saw a few CCTV clips of the leopard roaming in the area, we couldn't spot its exact location in the engine unit. We, therefore, kept goats as live baits in the engine unit and switched off the lights. The goats are absolutely safe, and can't be killed by the leopard. The bait is used only to lure an animal," said a wildlife inspector, requesting anonymity.

Though sources claimed that cops had brought in dog squad to the plant to participate in the rescue operation, forest conservator (wildlife) Vinod Kumar said they didn't seek their help, and didn't allow them to enter the plant. Also, he denied reports that crackers were burst to scare the animal.

Calling it one of the most difficult leopard rescue missions in the recent past, Kumar told TOI, "There are many places in engine unit for the leopard to hide. Machinery is installed on the two-metre-high elevated platform in the unit. So, the animal can hide anywhere. It has been hiding for more than 17 hours now. Our priority is to rescue the leopard and we will assure that it is done."

The team hoped the leopard could be trapped during the night. "The leopard is not very active during the day. It becomes active at night. We hope to trap it at night. We are getting good support from the Maruti management, and we are not in a hurry. We want the animal to be safe, even if it takes a couple of days," Kumar said.

He also said the department might approach the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) or any other competent authority, if they are unable to trap the leopard. "We are very confident that we will trap the big cat on Thursday night. Our team has successfully conducted many leopard rescue operations in the past. In case we are not able to do so, we will definitely seek assistance of WII," Kumar added.