Mumbai: Environmentalists and wildlife activists have strongly opposed the Maharashtra government’s proposal to dilute the legal protection given to leopards and have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reject what they describe as a “cruel and regressive” move.

The appeal comes after the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a recommendation to the Centre seeking the reclassification of leopards from Schedule I to Schedule II under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The proposal is aimed at making it easier for authorities to deal with animals involved in increasing human–wildlife conflict across several parts of the state.

Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced in the Legislative Assembly that the Cabinet cleared the recommendation in view of the rising leopard population and growing encounters between humans and the big cats.

However, conservationists argue that weakening legal protection for leopards would undermine India’s commitment to wildlife conservation. In an appeal submitted through the Prime Minister’s public grievance portal, the NatConnect Foundation urged the Prime Minister to reject the proposal.

“Human lives matter, but so do the lives of wildlife,” the environment watchdog said in its appeal, noting that Prime Minister Modi has often spoken about protecting India’s biodiversity and natural heritage.

NatConnect director B. N. Kumar said the government should instead focus on protecting forests and preventing encroachment into wildlife habitats to reduce conflict. “Diluting legal protection for leopards will send a dangerous signal at a time when wildlife habitats are already under immense pressure,” Kumar said.

Environmentalists stressed that stronger forest conservation policies are needed, including expanding forest cover and regulating human intrusion into wildlife areas. They also pointed out that India has earned global recognition for conservation initiatives such as Project Tiger and Project Lion.

“The focus should be on protecting forests and natural habitats, not killing wildlife,” said Nandakumar Pawar of Sagar Shakti. He blamed forest destruction caused by mining, industrial expansion, and infrastructure projects for pushing wildlife closer to human settlements. “Instead of addressing habitat loss, the government is talking about killing voiceless and innocent wildlife,” he added.

Activist Pamela Cheema said forest clearing was a major factor behind rising human–animal conflict. “It is obvious forests are being cleared. This is wrong from every point of view,” she said.