Mysore/Mysuru: Following a request from the Forest Department, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner (DC)  Dr. K.V. Rajendra has issued orders to harvest the standing sugarcane crops in those villages in T. Narasipur that have been affected by leopard attacks.

The order was issued last evening to harvest crops in 23 villages that come under various Gram Panchayats that are facing increased leopard attacks and even two persons — Manjunath and Meghana — have been killed by the feline.

Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mysuru Circle Malathi Priya had said that the Department had sent a request to the Mysuru DC to initiate the harvest of standing sugarcane crop in 40 villages coming under 23 Gram Panchayats as the unharvested fields are giving the leopard a perfect place to hide.

With fully grown and dense sugarcane, it is also difficult to monitor the feline movement and also trace its pug marks, she had stated in her request.

As per the DC’s order, the sugarcane must be harvested on priority basis and must be shifted to the factories for cane crushing.

This measure is necessary to help the Forest Department to track and capture the leopard and also to ensure the safety of the villagers who might fall victim to the lurking leopard, the Deputy Commissioner’s order stated.