Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla November 10

The Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to identify hotspots with concentration of leopards in and around Shimla and take steps to minimise chances of man-animal conflict. The development followed increasing attacks by leopards in the city.

A committee headed by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Shimla, will be constituted to gauge the problem and suggest remedies. Representatives of the Shimla Municipal Corporation and district administration will be the members.

Rising incidents of man-animal conflict

• There is fear among people over leopard attacks
• A boy was killed in Shimla’s Downdale area on Diwali
• The incident sparked angry protests by locals, who want the animal to be declared ‘maneater’ and hunted down

The frequent attacks by leopards in the state capital have sparked series of protests by various organisations. The latest incident in which a seven-year-old boy was killed in Downdale area on Diwali night has created fear among people. Forest officials have been directed to launch a hunt for the big cat, which could be a maneater.

Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj today held a meeting with senior officials. The forest officials have been directed to install cameras and lay traps. The SMC has been told to put up streetlights in vulnerable localities.