Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 06:15 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 00:56 [IST]
SILIGURI, : Plucking of tea leaves was
temporarily suspended in a section of Hansqua Tea Estate under Bagdogra Forest
Range after two newborn leopard cubs were discovered on Saturday.
The cubs were found lying in a
drain in Section 8 of the tea garden, causing panic among the workers. The
garden management immediately informed the forest department and officials from
the Bagdogra Forest Range responded by increasing vigilance in the area to
facilitate a safe reunion between the cubs and their mother.
Kalistha Panna, a worker at the
tea estate, said, “We were plucking leaves in that section when the cubs were
spotted. The management then shifted us to Section 4 for our safety, as the
mother leopard could return at any time and potentially attack.”
Alex Tirkey, a garden driver,
recalled a past incident, saying, “A few months ago, a woman worker was
seriously injured when a leopard attacked her while she was plucking leaves.”
Devesh Pandey, DFO of Kurseong
Division, informed that two cameras have been installed to monitor the cubs.
“We are closely watching to ensure the cubs are reunited with their mother. The
forest department is on high alert and taking all necessary steps to ensure the
safety of both the animals and the workers,” he said.
