Water Crisis Drives Leopards Into Villages; Two Rescued In 48 Hours Near Indore

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A rising concern is gripping forest officials and residents alike as multiple leopards have been straying into human settlements, believed to be driven by water scarcity and depleting natural resources in their habitats.

In just the past 48 hours, two leopards have been rescued from villages near Indore, raising alarms about the increasing frequency of such encounters.

On Sunday, a leopard was rescued from Karondiya village along the Bhagora-Kalakund road in the Mhow region. The big cat had wandered dangerously close to human habitation, likely in search of water or food. Swift action by the Ralamandal Rescue Team, led by Range Officer Yogesh Yadav and Deputy Ranger Shersingh Katare, ensured the safe capture of the animal.

The team—including driver Yogi, Sohan Dasoriya, and Murarilal Dhakad—tranquilized the leopard and transported it to the Indore Zoo for medical evaluation.

The team arrived at the scene within a short time and took careful measures to secure the area, ensuring that villagers were kept at a safe distance to prevent any panic or accidents. The leopard appeared disoriented and possibly weak, prompting the team to administer a tranquilizer dart with precision. After the animal was safely sedated, it was carefully placed in a transport cage.

Due to the rugged terrain and narrow village roads, the team faced logistical challenges while moving the cage. However, with the combined effort of forest staff and local volunteers, the leopard was safely transported to the Indore Zoo for a thorough medical examination.

Officials reported that the leopard showed signs of dehydration and fatigue, likely the result of prolonged searching for water in a drying habitat. Veterinarians at the zoo are conducting a detailed health assessment and are expected to provide treatment as needed. The forest department is hopeful the animal will make a full recovery and eventually be released back into the wild.

Just two days earlier, on May 23, a leopard fell into a 20-foot-deep well in Datoda village, near the Indore-Khandwa Road, while reportedly chasing a dog—again, possibly in search of water. The Ralamandal team completed the rescue in a record 45 minutes, using a specially lowered cage to lift the animal to safety. That leopard, too, was sent to the zoo for examination before being released back into the wild.

According to forest officials, water sources inside the forest zones are rapidly drying up, forcing wild animals like leopards to venture closer to villages. "As temperatures rise and natural water bodies shrink, leopards are increasingly moving beyond forest boundaries in search of water, increasing the risk of conflict with humans," a senior official said.

Wildlife experts warn that such incidents could become more common as summer intensifies. They emphasize the urgent need for water conservation efforts inside protected areas, including the restoration of watering holes, small ponds, and check dams to help wildlife sustain through dry months.

Both leopards rescued this week were found in visibly stressed conditions, though no major injuries were reported. Forest authorities have urged villagers living near forest borders to stay alert, avoid approaching wild animals, and report sightings immediately to the nearest forest office.

With temperatures soaring and no immediate relief from drought-like conditions, forest officials may face more such rescues in the coming weeks unless urgent habitat-level water solutions are implemented.