Leopard cub dies after hit by two-wheeler in Pench buffer zone

A leopard cub died Thursday in the buffer area of the Pench Tiger Reserve near Pipariya village in Maharashtra, apparently after it was run over by a two-wheeler while crossing road, a Forest official said.

The spot of the incident--Paoni Sillari road--is located in the buffer area of the forest.

Pench Tiger Reserve field director Ravikiran said the Forest department had opposed a proposal of the state PW (Public Works) department for widening the road, fearing such accidents.

"The Public Works Department (PWD) had submitted a proposal to widen Paoni-Sillari road. However, the forest department had opposed granting the No Objection Certificate (NOC) fearing such accidents," the officer said.

He said the spot of the incident was located around 50 metres away from a sign post on speed limit for vehicles crossing the area.