Bhawanipatna, Oct 6 [UDN}:: The Kalahandi Forest Department conducted a special awareness and preparedness mock drill at the New Bus Stand in Bhawanipatna, simulating a situation in which a leopard enters a crowded public place.
The exercise was organised as part of the observance of Wildlife Week to demonstrate how forest personnel would respond to the presence of a wild animal in a densely populated area and safely rescue and capture it while minimising risks to both people and the animal.
During the mock drill, forest officials demonstrated various response measures, including securing the area, maintaining a safe distance from the animal and carrying out a coordinated rescue operation. The exercise also focused on how the department can respond quickly and safely if a wild animal strays into human settlements or crowded areas.
Members of the public were advised not to panic or run around in the event of a leopard or other wild animal entering a populated area. They were urged to maintain a safe distance, avoid provoking or approaching the animal, and immediately inform the Forest Department so that trained personnel could handle the situation.
The Kalahandi Forest Department said such mock drills are aimed at strengthening preparedness for human-wildlife conflict situations while simultaneously ensuring the protection of wildlife and the safety of human lives.
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