Following confirmed reports of leopard sightings along the stretch between Dirang village tri-junction and Khonpathar Bridge under Dirang sub-division in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, the Bomdila Forest Division has issued a public advisory urging residents to exercise caution and avoid travel during vulnerable hours.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Obang Tayeng said an enquiry by the Officer-in-Charge of Dirang Police Station on February 7 verified that leopards were seen in the early hours of January 30 in the affected area. In view of potential risks to human life and livestock, residents of Dirang Basti and adjoining localities have been asked to remain alert, particularly during early morning, evening and night hours.
The advisory recommends that people avoid moving alone, travel in small groups, and make their presence known while passing through the stretch. Use of bright torches at night, choosing well-lit routes, and staying cautious near bushes, culverts, drains and isolated patches have been strongly advised. Authorities also cautioned against using headphones or playing loud music while walking or riding through the area.
Children, elderly persons and other vulnerable individuals have been advised not to move unsupervised near forest edges, fields, streams or isolated roads, especially during dawn and dusk. Parents have been urged to escort children to and from school if their route passes through the affected zone, while elderly persons and those with mobility issues should avoid travelling alone in risky areas.
Residents have been directed to keep cattle inside secure sheds at night and avoid tying livestock in open spaces near forests or thick vegetation. Pets should be kept indoors, and disposal of meat waste or carcasses in open areas has been strictly discouraged. In case of suspected leopard attacks on livestock, the forest department must be informed before disposing of the carcass.
The advisory further instructs people to remain calm during any encounter with a leopard, avoid running, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away while giving the animal a clear escape path. Residents have been warned not to approach, provoke, chase, or photograph the animal. Any sighting should be immediately reported to the Dirang Police Station (9436254289) or the Range Forest Officer, Dirang (8413088429). Authorities also cautioned against spreading unverified messages, photos or videos on social media that could create panic.
As preventive measures, villagers have been encouraged to clear dense bushes and tall grass around homes, schools and cattle sheds, and improve lighting in dark stretches, especially near forest edges and bridges. In case of any attack, injured persons should be rushed to the nearest health facility after administering first aid and controlling bleeding.
Meanwhile, executive members of the All Idu Mishmi Students’ Union (AIMSU) met Roing MLA Mutchu Mithi to express concern over fear and anxiety among residents following repeated tiger sightings in Jamupani village under Hunli Circle and nearby areas of Lower Dibang Valley district.
The delegation said their ground visit revealed serious administrative lapses and inadequate preventive action by the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary authorities, even after a tragic incident in which a Head Constable was mauled to death while returning from Anini. They alleged that no Rapid Response Team or sufficient safety measures were in place, leaving villagers and commuters exposed to continued risk.
Taking note of the issue, MLA Mithi assured that after the cycling event scheduled from February 12 to 15, he would arrange a meeting in Itanagar with the Forest Minister and invited AIMSU representatives to participate. The delegation also demanded a criminal enquiry based on an FIR filed against the incumbent DFO and sought his transfer, calling for responsive and accountable administration to address public safety concerns effectively.
