Panaji: A leopard that was trapped at Villian village in Sanguem taluka of South Goa by the Forest Department on Monday died while receiving treatment at the state zoo in Bondla.
State Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has asked the state government to suspend and transfer Deputy Conservator of Forests Navin Kumar, holding him responsible for dereliction of duty in the incident.
Rane told reporters that the leopard died while receiving treatment at Bondla at 2 am on Tuesday. The wild cat was trapped by the Forest Department after it was found loitering in the village of Villian, which borders the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Locals were fearful for their safety as the animal was freely roaming the streets.
The minister said he has asked the state government to initiate action against Deputy Conservator of Forests Navin Kumar, holding him responsible for the leopard’s death.
“It is shameful that an officer like Navin Kumar has to be forced to go into the field and perform his duty. He was made to go to Bondla and assess the situation by the Chief Conservator of Forests,” Rane said.
Rane added that it is unfortunate that the department could not save the leopard’s life.
He emphasized that the protection of wildlife is a priority for the state government. Rane also stated that NGOs and other stakeholders are being taken into confidence to ensure better protection of wildlife in the state.
Referring to incidents of wild animals being hit by vehicles on roads passing through wildlife sanctuaries, he said he would take up the matter with the state government to ensure a speed limit is enforced on such roads.
