Face2News/Chandigarh
In view of the recent wildlife survey and the confirmed presence of leopards, jackals and other wild animals in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary (SWLS), Sh. Saurabh Kumar, IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, along with Sh. Anup Kumar Soni, IFS, Conservator of Forests, and Sh. Navneet Srivastava, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, conducted a field inspection of the sanctuary and reviewed the preparedness of the Department on Saturday.
During the inspection, the team visited various locations where leopard movement has been recorded through camera traps and field observations by frontline staff. The team also inspected several water bodies and assessed the habitat conditions for migratory birds within the sanctuary.
The inspection revealed the presence of leopard and other wild animal activity at multiple locations inside the sanctuary, corroborated by camera trap images and pugmark evidence, indicating active movement across the forest area. Such presence is natural and reflects a healthy forest ecosystem.
However, keeping in view the safety of the general public as well as wildlife, the Forest Department is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), in consultation with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, for visitor management in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and other related matters. The SOP will include the following precautionary and wildlife management interventions:
Installation of Do’s and Don’ts awareness boards and warning signages at strategic locations inside and outside the sanctuary, highlighting the presence of leopards, sambar, jackals and other wild animals along with safety guidelines.
Awareness generation and sensitization of local villages and nearby residents regarding animal behaviour and necessary precautionary measures.
Repair and strengthening of existing fencing at vulnerable points of the sanctuary.
Clear demarcation and regular monitoring of designated visitor trails.
Strict supervision of visitor activities, including regulation of trekking activities, to prevent unauthorized movement inside forest areas.
Enhancement of monitoring and surveillance through an increased number of camera traps.
The Forest Department assures that regular monitoring is being carried out and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure public safety while maintaining wildlife conservation priorities. Visitors are advised to cooperate fully and follow the prescribed guidelines in letter and spirit, and to avoid venturing into restricted areas.
The Forest and Wildlife Department further requests citizens to exercise caution and vigilance, and to report any wildlife sighting or emergency on the dedicated helpline number 0172-2700217.
