Haridwar, Dec. 15 -- Local residents in Haridwar have raised a concern over the increased movement of wild animals reportedly into residential areas due to an intensified winter. Over the past few days, frequent sightings of elephants and a leopard have been reported, particularly in and around the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) township, people familiar with the matter said. According to local residents, the township is witnessing a rare dual scare, with both elephants and a leopard being spotted at different locations. An elephant was spotted late on Saturday evening near the BHEL hospital. CCTV footage shows the animal moving rapidly towards a woman walking along the road, forcing her to run for cover and narrowly escape harm. "The elephant suddenly appeared and moved fast towards the woman. She managed to save herself by running to a safe place," said Inder Mohan, a resident of the township. Residents further said that elephant sightings have become routine during the morning and evening hours, especially along roads bordering the nearby forest area. "Although bushes and roadside trees along the main road have been cut, there is still a lack of adequate street lighting. Proper illumination is essential to reduce the risk of man-animal conflict in the township," Mohan added. A leopard was also spotted in the BHEL-SIDCUL area. In response to the situation, the forest department has intensified patrolling in sensitive areas. "During the winter months of December and January, elephants often stray into the BHEL township in search of food and water," said Haridwar range forest officer Shailendra Singh Negi. "We have increased patrolling in vulnerable zones prone to wild animal movement. Local residents and passersby are being sensitised to remain cautious and immediately inform the forest department control room if they spot any wild animal," he said....