Budgam: The Wildlife Department has safely captured three leopards in Ompora, Budgam, bringing to an end a prolonged operation aimed at addressing repeated leopard sightings in the area.
Officials said two leopards were trapped during the intervening night of July 19 and 20, while the first had been captured on June 21 following sustained surveillance and coordinated field operations.
Ompora and its adjoining localities had witnessed frequent leopard movement, prompting the Department of Wildlife Protection to establish a temporary Man-Animal Conflict (MAC) camp in May. The facility was later upgraded into a round-the-clock MAC Control Room in view of continued sightings and public concern.
The MAC team remained deployed in the area for nearly three months, carrying out continuous surveillance, responding to public reports and maintaining trapping arrangements.
The operation was led by Range Officer Sajid Farooq, with the field team headed by Block Officer Bashir Ahmad. The Wildlife Department said the operation was carried out with support from the Budgam district administration, police and other local authorities.
Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Division Kashmir, Altaf Hussain, said the successful operation reflected effective coordination among departments in managing human-wildlife conflict while ensuring the safety of both residents and wildlife.
Officials said the capture of the three leopards has significantly reduced the immediate threat to residents of Ompora and adjoining areas.