Surekha Orders Probe After Leopard Killed in Road Accident
Forest minister Konda Surekha ordered an inquiry into the death of a leopard in Medak and directed officials to strengthen wildlife safety measures on highways.
Forests, environment and endowments minister Konda Surekha has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a leopard in a road accident on the National Highway near Gangapur village in Haveli Ghanpur mandal of Medak district. Preliminary reports suggest that the animal was fatally hit by a speeding vehicle while attempting to cross the highway. However, the minister said a detailed inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.
She directed forest officials to conduct a post-mortem of the leopard as per established protocols and submit a comprehensive scientific report on the cause of death. The minister instructed the department to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and take appropriate follow-up action.
Konda Surekha also asked forest officials to identify vulnerable stretches of National and State Highways that pass through forest areas where wildlife movement is frequent. She directed them to coordinate with the concerned departments to install adequate warning signboards, improve road safety measures and create additional wildlife crossings wherever necessary to minimise animal-vehicle collisions.
Appealing to motorists, the minister urged them to strictly adhere to speed limits while travelling through forest areas and cooperate in protecting wildlife. She assured that the government would formulate a comprehensive action plan to implement long-term preventive measures and ensure that such tragic incidents are not repeated.