India, Oct. 28 -- In response to growing instances of the leopard-human conflict in Pune district, the forest department is expanding its rescue and rehabilitation infrastructure among other measures even as it awaits approval for the proposed leopard sterilisation programme.

The forest department is expanding two key facilities-the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in Junnar, which is the first dedicated leopard rescue facility in western Maharashtra established in 2002; and the Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) in Bavdhan. Upon completion of expansion, the two facilities together will be able to accommodate over 80 leopards, up from the current capacity of 45 leopards at the MLRC. The upgraded facilities are expected to become functio...