India, Oct. 14 -- In the wake of rising human-leopard conflict in sugarcane-growing regions of Maharashtra, the state sugar commissioner has directed all cooperative and private sugar mills to immediately implement safety measures in and around sugarcane fields during the ongoing harvesting season.

In an official circular issued on October 10, sugar commissioner Sanjay Kolte has instructed mill managements to coordinate with local forest departments and ensure adequate safety arrangements for sugarcane cutters and field workers, many of whom live and work near sugarcane fields.

According to the circular, the mills must ensure that labour colonies are located at a safe distance from the sugarcane fields wherever possible. If workers must...