Leopard fear hits marriage plans across district

The escalating leopard menace in Shirur, Ambegaon, Junnar and khed tehsils has begun affecting an unexpected and deeply social sphere: marriage arrangements.

- Varad Bhatkhande

Locals said families are increasingly reluctant to marry their daughters into these areas, citing constant leopard sightings and frequent fatal attacks. Parents in the affected tehsils also reported difficulties in finding brides for their sons, turning the wildlife crisis into a social obstacle.

Families now weigh safety risks alongside economic and social factors while arranging marriages. Residents told The Free Press Journal (FPJ) that the fear of leopard attacks has overshadowed traditional considerations, with many alliances being rejected solely because grooms live in high-conflict zones.

Leopard menace deepens