Leopard spotted near Indore trenching ground:Forest teams boost surveillance, installing thermal drone; expanding colonies near Ralamandal increase leopard sightings

A leopard was spotted near the Devguradia trenching ground, heightening concerns among municipal workers and residents living near the waste site. The sighting came to light after a garbage collection vehicle driver filmed the big cat moving calmly through the dump yard, on Wednesday night. The video quickly prompted authorities to clear all workers from the location as a safety precaution. Frequent sightings linked to expanding residential zones The Devguradia trenching ground borders the Ralamandal forest region, which is home to more than five leopards and several other wild animals. As residential colonies have expanded closer to the forest edge, leopard movement into human-dominated areas has become more frequent. Officials say the animals often wander between the forest, surrounding colonies and the trenching ground while hunting for easy prey such as stray dogs. DFO Pradeep Mishra said Ralamandal remains a natural habitat for leopards, but swift urban development has intensified sightings. The increase in colonies around Ralamandal has brought human activity closer to wildlife. We are monitoring the leopard’s movement closely and ensuring public safety, he said. Thermal drone to track night-time movement In a bid to improve monitoring, the Forest Department is deploying a thermal-imaging drone with a five-kilometre surveillance radius. The device will help trace nocturnal movement patterns of leopards across the forest edge, the trenching ground and nearby settlements. We are introducing new technology to enhance tracking in the Ralamandal area. The drone will support rapid response teams if the leopard is sighted near populated zones, Mishra said, Advisory issued for workers and residents Authorities have urged sanitation workers, colony residents and morning walkers to remain cautious, avoid isolated stretches near the forest boundary, and report any fresh sightings immediately. Patrol teams have also been increased around the trenching ground to prevent accidental encounters. The latest sighting adds to a series of recent wildlife movements near Indore’s urban fringes, underscoring the growing overlap between expanding city limits and natural habitats.