Thu Dec 25 14:00:47 UTC 2025: News Article:
Leopard Sightings Prompt Safety Alert Near Hubballi Airport and Industrial Estate
HUBBALLI, INDIA – December 25, 2025 (The Hindu e-Paper) – Forest officials have issued a warning to the public in Hubballi, following multiple reports of leopard sightings near Hubballi Airport and the Gamanagatti Industrial Estate. Residents are advised to avoid venturing out alone in these areas after sunset.
A team of officials, including Vasantha Reddy K.V., Chief Conservator of Forest, and Rupesh Kumar, director of Hubballi Airport, conducted a site visit on Wednesday to assess the situation. Measures have been taken to address the threat, including the placement of a cage near the airport to trap the leopard and the installation of camera traps to monitor its movements.
“We have intensified patrols by our frontline staff and are urging the public and airport staff to refrain from walking alone between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.,” stated an official.
Authorities believe that the leopard is attracted to the area due to the presence of stray dogs feeding on garbage dumped in the Gamanagatti industrial estate. The public has been urged to refrain from illegal dumping and airport officials have been asked to address the issue with municipal authorities to properly manage the waste.
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