Solution to human-leopard conflict: Forest department installs solar fences around houses in Junnar, Shirur in Pune (PHOTOS) | Related
The Junnar Forest Division has implemented various measures to prevent leopard-human conflicts, with the Solar Fencing Scheme proving to be an effective solution. This fence emits a mild electric shock that sets off an alarm that alerts the leopard and causes it to flee. Currently, six farmers in Junnar taluka and four in Shirur taluka have installed solar fences around their houses and these beneficiaries have reported significant benefits as there has been no leopard incident near their houses since the installation.
The forest department has selected 400 farmers in Junnar taluka, 200 in Shirur taluka and 60 in Ambegaon taluka for this project and is planning to install solar fences in the near future. An administrative sanction of ₹1.5 crore has been granted under the District Annual Disaster Management Plan for the implementation of the scheme. The plan aims to help a total of 660 farmers, with each beneficiary receiving support worth ₹22,500.
The solar fence can secure an area of about half a hectare around a house. Each solar fence costs ₹30,000, with 75% of the cost borne by the government and 25% borne by the beneficiary farmer. As part of the District Annual Plan 2024-25, this innovative program was conceptualized by Deputy Conservator of Forests Amol Satpute. So far, six farmers from Junnar Taluka and four from Shirur Taluka, who contributed a share of ₹7,500 each, have successfully availed the scheme.
Amol Satpute, deputy forest officer, Junnar, said, “The solar fence is extremely effective in deterring leopards. Farmers who have installed it reap significant benefits. To reduce the risk of leopard attacks and potential loss of life in sensitive areas, more remote homeowners must implement this fence immediately.”