Important Facts of the News
- A rare snow leopard was seen for the first time in Kinnaur district.
- The animal was found trapped at the 120 MW Sanjay Hydropower Project site in Bhaba Nagar.
- The snow leopard was stuck in a ‘filter inlet’ area near the dam structure.
- The project team informed the Forest Department immediately.
- Forest Range Officer Paramanand Darekh reached with his team for rescue.
- A rescue team from Rampur Forest Division, Kinnaur Police officials, and a fire brigade team from Bhaba Nagar assisted.
- Initial rescue attempt using a ladder failed.
- Forest officers used local techniques without any equipment.
- The snow leopard was rescued without any injury.
- The animal safely returned to the nearby forest after rescue.
- This sighting indicates increasing presence of snow leopards in Bhaba Valley.
A rare sighting of a snow leopard in Kinnaur district drew significant attention on Saturday when the elusive big cat was found trapped at the Sanjay Hydropower Project in Bhaba Nagar. The snow leopard, usually seen only in high-altitude snow-covered regions, was spotted for the first time in this part of Kinnaur, creating an important moment for wildlife monitoring efforts in the region.
Rescue Effort at Hydropower Project Site
The animal was discovered in the filter inlet section of the 120 MW hydropower project. Project workers informed the Forest Department immediately after spotting the trapped leopard. Upon receiving the message, Bhaba Nagar Forest Range Officer Paramanand Darekh reached the location along with local forest staff. They were joined by a specialized rescue unit from the Rampur Forest Range, Kinnaur Police officials, and a fire brigade team from Bhaba Nagar.
The fire crew initially attempted to rescue the big cat using a ladder. However, this approach did not succeed due to the narrow structure and the leopard’s stressed condition. The rescue team then shifted to local handling methods that required patience and skill. Without using any mechanical devices or applying force, they managed to safely guide the snow leopard out of the confined space.
Safe Return to Forest
After being freed, the snow leopard moved back into the surrounding forest on its own. According to forest officials, the big cat did not sustain any injuries during the incident. The smooth rescue process was credited to the coordinated efforts of all participating teams and their careful decision-making.
Significance for Biodiversity in Bhaba Valley
Forest authorities stated that snow leopards are generally found in much higher altitude zones covered with perennial snow. Their confirmed presence in Kinnaur has not been recorded earlier at this location. This observation indicates a possible increase in snow leopard movement in Bhaba Valley, which experts consider a positive sign for local ecological diversity.
The sighting holds importance for ongoing wildlife conservation efforts in the region, especially for species that rely on stable mountainous habitats. It also highlights the need for continuous monitoring to ensure safe coexistence between development projects and wildlife corridors.