Jaipur: A female leopard ventured out of the Jhalana Leopard Reserve late Wednesday night and prowled into a factory near Gopalpura, some eight kilometres away, after traversing several residential colonies.Forest officials have not conclusively identified the feline, but they believe it to be ‘Pooja’, a female leopard commonly seen around the MNIT campus on JLN Marg.Officials stated that the leopard entered the factory premises, which covers a large area with dense lantana thickets and neem trees, late on Wednesday night. Increased human and vehicular activity on Thursday morning likely prevented her from returning to the reserve.The leopard was first observed by the factory staff at around 3.30pm on Thursday, who promptly notified the forest department. “Due to the thick undergrowth and high density of bushes, tranquilising the animal was difficult. Our teams reached the spot after receiving the alert, and a JCB was called in to clear the vegetation and improve visibility,” said range officer Jitendra Singh Shekhawat.Forest personnel maintained strict surveillance of the area into late evening to ensure the animal’s safety and guide her back to her natural habitat. Authorities urged residents of nearby colonies to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the site until the rescue operation was over.“There are many residential colonies, schools, hospitals and a mall along the route back to the reserve. If she enters any of these areas, it would be challenging and could lead to conflict. So, our team has been stationed to monitor her movement closely,” a rescue team member stated.Officials believe the leopard may have taken a nullah route at night to reach the factory. “The Jhalana reserve spans nearly 20 sq km and is home to around 40 leopards. Pooja has ventured out many times and, in the past, has even made her territory in Smriti Van. She has also entered MNIT and once reached Moti Doongri. It is in the memory of this animal as she was born in the area near Smriti Van,” an official said.
