Leopard Sightings in Hinjewadi: Cognizant Issues Safety Alert for Employees

Leopard Sightings Raise Safety Concerns in Hinjewadi and Pune IT Areas

Leopard sightings in Pune have become a serious concern, especially in busy IT zones like Hinjewadi. Over the past few weeks, reports of leopards being seen near residential areas, offices, and roads have increased. This has made employees, families, and local residents worried about their daily safety.

Many IT professionals in Hinjewadi travel early in the morning or return late at night. Because of this, even a single sighting creates fear. Offices have started taking the issue seriously and are issuing safety instructions to protect staff.

One of the major companies to act on this issue is Cognizant, which has a large campus in Hinjewadi. The company sent out a safety message to its employees after repeated leopard sightings in and around Pune.

Cognizant Issues Safety Advisory for Hinjewadi Employees

Cognizant, a multinational IT firm, shared an internal safety alert with its employees working in Pune. The advisory was sent after reports of leopard movement in several areas, including Hinjewadi, Nigdi, Hadapsar, Phursungi, and nearby office zones.

The company asked its staff to be careful while moving around the campus, especially during late evenings, night hours, and early mornings. Employees were advised not to walk alone through empty or poorly lit areas.

Cognizant’s main Pune office is located in Hinjewadi Phase 3, which has seen multiple sightings in recent months. This made the advisory more urgent and important for staff working there.

Areas in Pune Reporting Leopard Sightings

Leopard movement has not been limited to forests or hill areas. Several residential and working zones in Pune have reported sightings, which has raised concern among the public.

Below is a table showing some of the main areas where leopard sightings have been reported:

Area Name	Type of Area	Recent Activity
Hinjewadi Phase 3	IT & residential	Frequent sightings near campuses
Nigdi	Residential	Leopard seen near housing societies
Hadapsar	Mixed area	Night sightings reported
Phursungi	Outskirts	Leopard movement near open land
Aundh	Residential	Leopard entered housing society
Bavdhan	Roadside & hills	Sighted near main road
University area	Educational	Awareness programs conducted

These sightings show that the issue is spread across Pune and is not limited to one location.

Instructions Given to Employees in Hinjewadi Campuses

The safety advisory sent by Cognizant included clear instructions for employees. These were simple steps meant to reduce risk and prevent panic.

Employees were told to avoid walking during “silent hours,” which means late nights and early mornings. Special mention was made to avoid certain campus sections, such as CDC Campus Phase 2, during these hours.

Staff were also advised to use company transport or carpool with colleagues instead of walking alone. Using well-lit roads and areas with people around was strongly recommended.

What To Do If You Encounter a Leopard

The advisory also explained what a person should do if they come face-to-face with a leopard. These steps are important because panic can make the situation worse.

Employees were advised to stay calm and not run. Running can trigger the animal to chase. Instead, they were told to maintain eye contact and slowly move backward.

Making yourself look bigger by raising your arms or opening a jacket was also suggested. Most importantly, people were asked to alert campus security or local authorities immediately.

Role of IT Employee Groups in Raising the Issue

The safety advisory became public after it was shared by the Federation of IT Employee Trade Unions, also known as FITE. The group highlighted the need for better safety steps across all IT companies in Pune, not just one office.

FITE asked companies to arrange proper transport, improve security patrols, and work with forest officials. They also urged authorities to take quick action before a serious incident occurs.

Many IT employees supported this move, as they felt the issue had been ignored for too long.

Why Leopard Sightings Are Increasing in Hinjewadi

Forest officials believe that rapid urban growth is one of the main reasons behind the increase in leopard sightings. Areas like Hinjewadi have seen fast development over the last decade.

Open land, hills, and green patches have been replaced with buildings, roads, and offices. This has reduced natural space for wildlife. As a result, leopards are forced to move closer to human areas in search of food and shelter.

Garbage dumps, stray dogs, and empty plots also attract animals, making encounters more common.

Recent Incidents That Raised Alarm in Pune

Several recent sightings have added to public fear. In Aundh, a leopard was seen inside a housing society early in the morning. This led to search operations by forest teams and police.

Another leopard was spotted near Bavdhan, close to the NDA Pashan main road. Vehicles were stopped, and locals were asked to stay indoors for some time.

At Savitribai Phule Pune University, authorities organised an urgent awareness session after a leopard was seen near the campus area. Students and staff were given safety instructions.

These incidents show that the problem is serious and widespread.

Forest Department’s Advice to Citizens

Forest department officials have asked people not to spread rumors or fake images on social media. In recent days, many AI-made or edited photos have been shared online, creating panic.

Officials said such false information makes their work harder and distracts from real cases. Citizens were urged to report sightings only through official channels.

They also asked people to keep their surroundings clean and avoid leaving food waste outside, which can attract animals.

Impact on Daily Life in Hinjewadi

For people working in Hinjewadi, these sightings have changed daily routines. Many employees now avoid late shifts or prefer working from home when possible.

Housing societies have increased security checks, installed lights, and restricted night movement. Parents are also more careful about letting children play outside.

Office timings, transport planning, and even fitness routines like early morning walks have been affected.

Safety Measures Residents Can Follow

Residents living in and around Hinjewadi can follow some simple steps to stay safe. These steps are useful even if there is no immediate sighting.

Always walk in groups during early morning or late night hours. Avoid empty plots, construction sites, and dark roads.

Keep society gates closed at night and ensure security guards are alert. Inform forest officials if you see animal movement instead of trying to handle it yourself.

How Companies Can Improve Safety in Hinjewadi

IT companies in Hinjewadi can play a major role in improving safety. Providing reliable office transport is one of the most important steps.

Better lighting inside campuses, CCTV cameras, and regular security patrols can also help. Companies can conduct awareness sessions so employees know what to do in emergencies.

Working with local authorities and forest teams can reduce risk for everyone.

FAQs About Leopard Sightings in Hinjewadi

Are leopard sightings common in Hinjewadi?

Yes, sightings have increased in recent months, especially near Hinjewadi Phase 3 and nearby open areas.

Is it safe to travel at night in Hinjewadi?

Travel is generally safe, but people are advised to avoid walking alone at night and use office transport when possible.

What should I do if I see a leopard?

Stay calm, do not run, keep distance, and inform local forest officials or security immediately.

Why are leopards entering city areas?

Rapid construction and loss of natural land have pushed wildlife closer to human areas.

Are authorities taking action?

Yes, forest teams are monitoring movement, conducting awareness programs, and responding to verified reports.

Leopard sightings in Hinjewadi and other parts of Pune are a serious issue that needs attention from everyone. While authorities and companies are taking steps, public awareness and cooperation are equally important.

By following safety rules, avoiding panic, and staying informed, residents and employees can reduce risk. Development and nature need balance, and until that happens, caution remains the best protection.

Hinjewadi is a major work hub for thousands of people, and ensuring safety here should be a shared responsibility.

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