Maharashtra eases wildlife rules to fast-track leopard management

Maharashtra has amended provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act to enable quicker decision-making in handling human-leopard conflict, state Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said.

The amendment allows the state government to decentralise powers that were earlier vested with the Union government, particularly under Section 12 of the Act. Previously, actions such as capturing, relocating, or managing leopard populations required prior central approval, a process officials described as time-consuming and restrictive in urgent situations.

With the revised provisions, the Chief Wildlife Warden can now initiate measures including trapping and translocation of leopards with the approval of the state government, significantly reducing procedural delays. The move is aimed at ensuring faster response in conflict-prone regions such as Pune district , where frequent encounters between humans and leopards have been reported.

Officials said the amendment also formalises scientific population management practices, allowing authorities to undertake planned interventions based on field assessments and expert recommendations.

Naik emphasised that the changes do not dilute conservation safeguards. “No permission will be granted to kill leopards,” he said, reiterating that the focus remains on protection and scientific handling of wildlife.

The amendment is part of a broader strategy to streamline wildlife governance while balancing conservation priorities with public safety concerns.