Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh): In a first-of-its-kind move in Uttar Pradesh, the Forest Department of Bijnor has proposed sterilizing leopards to curb their rapidly growing population, which has led to increasing conflicts with humans.
The district, once known for limited leopard sightings, is now grappling with rising fatal attacks and widespread fear among villagers.
33 Deaths in Two-and-a-Half Years: Urgent Action Prompted
Over the past two and a half years, leopard attacks have claimed 33 lives in Bijnor. According to officials, the unchecked increase in the leopard population is disrupting the delicate balance between humans and wildlife in the region.
The Forest Department has now drafted a comprehensive wildlife management plan and sought approval from the state government for a series of measures, including sterilization of leopards.
Sterilization Plan: Targeting 50% Population Over 5 Years
As part of the proposed initiative, 50% of the leopard population will be sterilized within a span of five years.
The sterilization component alone is estimated to cost ₹50 lakh. The process will be carried out under strict veterinary supervision, ensuring animal welfare protocols are followed.
Massive ₹650 Crore Proposal for Wildlife Management
The sterilization effort is only one part of a ₹650 crore proposal submitted by the Bijnor Forest Department. The proposal includes:
- 310 km of fencing to prevent animal intrusion
- Pits to deter elephant movement into populated areas
- A wildlife hospital for treatment and rehabilitation
- Modern equipment and staff training to improve field operations
Gyan Singh, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDO) of Bijnor, told The Times of India that the region’s dense forests, coupled with sugarcane fields and mango orchards, provide an ideal environment for leopards to thrive and remain concealed.
Leopards Have Spread to 450 Villages
A decade ago, leopards in Bijnor were mostly restricted to 4–5 villages near the Amangarh Tiger Reserve. Today, they have expanded their range to over 450 villages. The increasing tiger population in forested zones has pushed leopards to seek refuge in agricultural areas, especially sugarcane fields, which offer natural cover.
Leopards are shy and elusive animals, but the human-wildlife interface has become increasingly tense due to proximity and lack of physical barriers.
Uttar Pradesh’s Leopard Numbers on the Rise
According to the 2022 leopard census, India has around 13,874 leopards, up from 12,852 in 2018—an 8% increase. While this data does not account for non-tiger zones, Uttar Pradesh reported 371 leopards in 2018. Officials believe this number has significantly risen, particularly in Bijnor.
Between 2023 and September 2024, 67 leopards have already been captured in the Bijnor region alone, underscoring the growing concern.
The Road Ahead
The Forest Department is awaiting a green signal from the Uttar Pradesh government to begin sterilization and other proposed interventions. If approved, the Bijnor initiative may become a model for other districts facing similar human-wildlife challenges.
