PANAJI: A third leopard attack on livestock in the Avedem-Cottombi Village Panchayat has intensified fear among residents, who say repeated appeals for preventive measures have gone unanswered. With livestock losses mounting and concerns over human safety growing, villagers are urging authorities to take immediate and effective action to prevent further incidents.
On Wednesday, a leopard allegedly killed a cow belonging to Benju Clement. “I woke up in the morning to check on my cow. I couldn't find it in the shed. After searching, I found it dead beside the shed,” Clement said.
Residents said that despite repeated attacks and earlier complaints, adequate preventive measures and long-term action have not yet been taken by the concerned authorities.
Villagers say they are living in constant fear, particularly at night, as the threat of further attacks on livestock and the possibility of danger to human life cannot be ignored. Farmers, who depend on their cattle for their livelihood, say they are suffering repeated losses and are deeply distressed by the situation.
The Village Panchayat has once again appealed to the Forest Department, the District Administration and the local MLA to intervene immediately. “After the previous incidents, we informed the Forest Department, but no action was taken. Today also I called the forest officers. They inspected the site and assured us of strict action. If no action is initiated even after this, we will approach the MLA and higher authorities over the negligence,” ward councillor said.
Villagers have demanded increased surveillance, installation of camera traps, continuous monitoring of leopard movement, deployment of rapid response teams and other appropriate measures to prevent further attacks while ensuring wildlife is managed in accordance with the law.
