Leopard sighting forces closure of schools in Jamshedpur’s Gamharia

Mail News Service

Gamharia: Kerala Public School and Vani Vidya Mandir School, located within the Gamharia Block of Seraikela District, have been shut down today amidst concerns for the safety of school children following reports of a leopard sighting in the vicinity over the past two days.

Concerned parents, accompanying their children to school this morning, reported the presence of a leopard roaming in the Gamharia area for several days. Consequently, the decision to close the schools was made by the respective head teachers, prioritizing the well-being of the students. Parents were notified to collect their children from the premises.

Ramesh Hansda, a prominent leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed dissatisfaction with the response of district administration officials regarding the matter. Hansda emphasized the urgency of capturing and relocating the leopard to its natural habitat to alleviate the fears of local residents and restore normalcy to daily activities.

The closure of schools due to the ongoing presence of the leopard has not only disrupted educational activities but has also impacted the local economy. Hansda highlighted concerns over declining revenue and worker apprehension stemming from the disruption caused by the leopard’s presence.

Furthermore, Hansda criticized the Forest Department officials, alleging their lack of proactive measures in addressing the situation. He accused them of prioritizing commercial activities over public safety, emphasizing the need for swift action to mitigate the fear and apprehension prevailing in the community.

Forest department issues contact numbers after leopard sighting

Seraikela: Following the sighting of a leopard in the RSB Unit #1 Company premises in Gamharia last Sunday, the Forest Department has mobilized efforts for a rescue operation. Forest Divisional Officer Aditya Narayan has issued an appeal urging caution among individuals residing and working in the Gamharia Industrial Area and its vicinity.

In light of the ongoing campaign, residents and workers are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the night. It is recommended to refrain from venturing out alone, and if unavoidable, individuals should move in groups of 2-3 or utilize four-wheelers for safety.

Forest Department has provided contact numbers for immediate assistance in case of any encounter with the leopard or any related information:

Forest Divisional Officer, Seraikela Forest Division: 9412996824

Forest Area Officer, Seraikela Zone: 9771283269

Forester, Devendra Nath Tudu: 9155573176

Forester, Sunil Kumar Mahato: 9956482889

Assistant, Prem Chandra Kumbhkar: 9608193015

Residents are urged to promptly contact these numbers to report any sightings or incidents related to the leopard, ensuring a swift and coordinated response from the authorities.