LEOPARDS AND MUMBAI

Controlling Man-Animal Conflict in and around Mumbai :

SGNP (Sanjay Gandhi National Park) is a 104 sq km National Park in the Heart of one of the most busiest and populated cities of the world, Mumbai (Maharashtra, India), a very unique geographical setup. The park acts as the lungs for the polluted Mumbai besides supplying water to the city from its lakes. The park boasts of presence of a very good wildlife consisting of birds and animals including 24 leopards within the busy city !

Leopard sighting and close encounters is a very common phenomenon. In 2012 second half, Mumbai saw 7 deaths in 6 months due to Leopard attacks. With the increased population, encroachment and reduced forest cover, we believe that removal of encroachers is a long drawn task and interfering with the wildlife and its habitat is against the nature. Co-Existence is the only option - as what Empower Foundation discovered and implemented in a unique way !

• We have been working with the Forest and Government authorities on the Man –Animal Conflict in Mumbai Area covering SGNP (Sanjay Gandhi National Park) 

• We have designed and conducted Co-Existence workshops for Tribal Areas and Security personnels of Government Organizations like MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai- Bhandup), Filmcity Goregaon, Aarey Colony and Private Entities like Reliance Mediaworks etc around the forest area where a lot of conflict situation exists.

• We are also involved in tracking the leopard and leopard habitat and creating leopard corridor and defining  sensitive zones of conflicts

Our work has been avidly covered by renowned media like The Times of India, Mumbai Mirror, DNA, Outlook, Global Post etc.