Solar-powered fence to surround Raj Bhawan after leopard spotted in premises

Shimla: A decision to install solar-powered fencing around Raj Bhawan in Shimla was taken after a wildcat was spotted in its premises. Apparently, a guard on night duty captured the movement of the wild animal in the premises of Raj Bhawan in his mobile phone. The call is taken at a time when the residents are already worried over the presence of a leopard, which has been spotted in the area four to five times in the last four weeks.

Advisor to governor professor Shashikant Sharma said that following the movement of leopard in the premises of Raj Bhawan, a decision was taken to install solar fencing to keep the wild animals away. "Solar fencing would not harm the wild animals but would only scare them off by giving a small amount of shock," he said.

"Raj Bhawan is located close to Nav Bahar where the movement of Leopard has been spotted many times and this has already created panic among the residents. Wildlife department has kept a cage at Nav Bahar to capture the Leopard but so far wild cat is roaming free," Shashikant added.

After witnessing an increase in the menace caused by monkeys and other wild animals, the state government has already launched Mukhyamantri Khet Sarankshan Yojna under which 80% subsidy is provided for the solar powered or electricity fencing to save the crops from damage.

With the onset of winters, man-animal conflict is witnessed in Himachal every year.