Uttar Pradesh to Begin Leopard Sterilisation Drive to Curb Rising Attacks; Pilot Project to Start in Bijnor

In a significant move to address the rising incidents of human–leopard conflict, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department is preparing to launch a leopard sterilisation programme. The initiative will begin as a pilot project in Bijnor district, one of the most sensitive regions in the state in terms of leopard attacks.

With leopards increasingly venturing into villages and human settlements, incidents of fatal attacks on people as well as retaliatory killings of leopards have surged. To put a check on this escalating conflict, the Forest Department has prepared a detailed proposal to control the leopard population through scientific sterilisation.

Bijnor Identified as Most Sensitive District

A recent study conducted by the Forest Department revealed alarming figures from Bijnor. Between 2023 and September 2025, the district recorded 90 leopard attack incidents, resulting in 35 deaths and 55 injuries. Over the past decade, the number of such incidents has risen to 825, making Bijnor one of the worst-affected districts in the state.

Out of the district’s villages, 444 have been identified as sensitive, with Najibabad, Nagina, and Chandpur forest ranges emerging as major hotspots for leopard activity.

Why Leopards Are Entering Villages

According to the study, Bijnor’s geographical location and agricultural pattern make it particularly vulnerable. The district lies close to Rajaji and Corbett Tiger Reserves, where conservation efforts have led to a rise in tiger populations. As tigers dominate forest territories, leopards are forced out of dense forests into fringe areas.

Nearly 49 percent of Bijnor’s land is under sugarcane cultivation, which provides ideal cover for leopards. These tall crops have become hiding spots, bringing leopards dangerously close to human habitation.

Limitations of Current Measures

At present, the Forest Department relies on surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and trapping leopards after attacks. Captured animals are either released back into forests after a few days or sent to zoos. However, zoos across the state lack sufficient space to house an increasing number of rescued leopards, making the current approach unsustainable.

Laparoscopic Sterilisation Approved

Following the study, experts have agreed on adopting laparoscopic sterilisation, a minimally invasive and safe surgical method. Under the proposed plan, a leopard will be captured, undergo a medical examination, and then be sterilised using the laparoscopic technique. After a short monitoring period, the animal will be released back into the wild.

Officials emphasized that the procedure will not harm the animal and is widely used in wildlife population management globally.

Target: 75% Sterilisation in Five Years

The proposal sets an ambitious target of sterilising 75 percent of Bijnor’s leopard population within five years, with 15 percent sterilisation each year. According to estimates, this would limit the leopard population to around 755 in five years, compared to a projected 1,336 leopards if no intervention is undertaken.

Awaiting Government Approval

The study findings have already been presented before State Forest Minister (Independent Charge) Arun Saxena, who has directed the department to forward the proposal to the government for approval.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P.P. Singh confirmed that Bijnor will be the starting point of the pilot project, while Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sunil Chaudhary said the proposal is under consideration and approval is expected soon.

If cleared, the initiative could mark a major shift in wildlife management policy in Uttar Pradesh and may later be expanded to other leopard-affected districts across the state.