Mumbai: Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced in the Legislative Assembly that leopards in Maharashtra will be reclassified from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 following increased incidents of leopards entering human settlements due to habitat loss.
He further stated that Maharashtra is currently seeking the necessary permissions from the Central Wildlife Department to formalise this change.
Why reclassify leopards?
The Minister said, “Once the leopard is moved to Schedule 2, individuals will not face legal action if a leopard that has entered a human settlement is killed in self-defence or protection.” He was responding to a calling-attention motion moved by member Satyajit Deshmukh.
Deshmukh highlighted the increasing presence of leopards in his constituency and demanded their inclusion in Schedule 2. He also questioned the government on the specific measures being implemented to curb the man-animal conflict.
Minister Naik confirmed the decision for reclassification and added that directives have been issued to officially declare leopards that enter human settlements and cause loss of human life as “man-eaters.”
Minister Naik shared updates on population control measures. ”The state had proposed the sterilisation of 150 leopards to the Central Government. In response, the Centre has granted permission to capture and sterilise five female leopards on an experimental basis.
“Regular patrolling by forest personnel has been intensified in sensitive zones prone to human-leopard conflict. In areas with frequent leopard sightings, instructions have been issued to keep school schedules flexible to ensure student safety,” he said.
To manage captured animals, the government is increasing the capacity of existing rescue centres for tigers, leopards, and other wild predators. Additionally, efforts are underway to transfer captured leopards to zoos and wildlife rescue centres in other states, subject to approval from the Central Zoo Authority, said minister Naik.
Species under Schedule 1 enjoy the highest level of protection. Hunting or harming them is strictly prohibited, with the maximum penalties under the Act.
Species in Schedule 2 still have legal protection, but penalties for offenses are lower than Schedule 1. The protections are less stringent, making it easier to manage conflicts with humans.
Maharashtra has seen a rise in leopards entering villages and towns due to deforestation and urban expansion.
Balance development with conservation
Meanwhile, Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal said in the Maharashtra Council that maintaining a balance between state development and environmental conservation is the need of the hour.
He emphasised that every segment of society must adopt fundamental changes in their lifestyle to protect the planet. The Minister was responding to a half-hour discussion raised by member Amol Mitkari under Rule 92.
Addressing the House, Minister Jaiswal noted that while modern infrastructure — such as cement-concrete housing and new roads — is an unstoppable part of the development process, it must be countered with aggressive measures against pollution.
“We cannot halt development, but we must launch a massive public awareness campaign to curb water, air, and noise pollution,” he stated.
He further suggested that environmental studies should be mandatory from the school level to instill eco-conscious values in students from an early age.
The Minister highlighted the deteriorating waste management situation in rural areas and the alarming rise in plastic consumption. He urged citizens to ditch plastic in favour of eco-friendly alternatives during daily household activities, religious ceremonies and wedding functions.
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Caption: Leopards at Veer Bai Jeejamata Bhosle Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Mumbai on Sunday, November 30, 2025. (Photo: IANS)
–IANS
