Mandi: A potentially tragic incident was averted at the Government Primary School in Gajnoha, under Riwalsar education block of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, when a leopard entered the school premises during school hours.
Thanks to the alertness and swift action of a schoolteacher as all 13 students present were safely secured, and the animal was driven away without any harm.
Chaos erupts as leopard seen in playground
The incident occurred at approximately 10.30 am when teacher Vimla Sharma was conducting a class in the school verandah. She suddenly spotted a leopard roaming near the playground area. Acting quickly, she gathered the 13 students and locked them inside a classroom to ensure their safety.
Without wasting time, she alerted the School Management Committee (SMC) Chairman, Bhim Singh, who immediately arrived at the scene with several local villagers. Together, they managed to scare the leopard away from the school premises using loud noises and coordinated efforts.
No injuries, but children left traumatised
While no physical injuries were reported, the children were visibly shaken and traumatised by the encounter.
The teacher’s prompt response and the support from the local community are being widely praised for preventing what could have been a catastrophic situation.
Forest department confirms leopard presence
A team from the Forest Department later visited the site and confirmed evidence of the leopard’s presence in the area. Officials noted that the school is located near dense bushes and forested zones, making such wildlife intrusions increasingly likely.
The department has assured the community that efforts are underway to trace the leopard and relocate it to a safer forest area.
Call for preventive measures and bush clearance
Speaking to the media, SMC Chairman Bhim Singh emphasised the urgent need for permanent safety measures to protect school children from such threats.
“Children’s safety must remain the top priority. The Forest Department should implement strict measures to prevent wild animals from entering inhabited areas,” he said.
Villagers have also raised demands for the immediate clearance of bushes and wild growth around the school campus to minimize the risk of future wildlife encounters.
Munish Sood
