A second leopard has died within five days in the Chandgarh forest range of Khandwa district, after being struck by an unidentified vehicle late Saturday night, prompting concern among forest officials over rising wildlife casualties on a busy highway stretch.

Leopard Killed Near Hanuman Temple

The accident occurred on the Punasa-Satwas road, part of the Khandwa-Bhopal highway, near a Hanuman temple, where the adult leopard was hit while crossing the road. According to officials, forest department staff reached the spot soon after being alerted and took custody of the carcass, remaining at the site late into the night to secure it.

A team of expert doctors from Indore has been called in to conduct a post-mortem examination, after which the leopard's last rites will be performed in accordance with forest department protocol.

Second Such Incident in Five Days

This is the second leopard death in the same range within just five days. On June 9, an unidentified vehicle had similarly run over a leopard in the Kaladev area of the same Chandgarh range, killing it instantly. Saturday night's incident occurred barely five kilometres from that earlier accident spot, raising fresh questions about wildlife safety along this highway corridor.

Speeding Vehicles Pose Threat to Wildlife

The Punasa-Satwas road passes through dense forest cover. Local residents say heavy and fast-moving vehicle traffic is common on this highway after dark. Wildlife experts note that during the summer and monsoon months, leopards frequently move in search of water and prey, making them vulnerable to speeding vehicles while crossing roads.

Forest Department Searching for Vehicle

Chandgarh range officer Mohan Mandloi said the leopard was likely crossing the road in search of prey when it was struck by the unidentified vehicle. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident while also searching for the vehicle responsible. Given the repeated incidents, the forest department is now considering installing wildlife warning signboards along the highway and increasing night patrolling. Environmentalists have also demanded stricter speed control measures for vehicles on this stretch.

A severe heatwave in India has intensified across several states, with temperatures ranging between 40°C and 45°C over the past five days, according to officials. States including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Odisha and West Bengal remain under alert as the mercury continues to rise.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has flagged continued heatwave conditions in many regions, warning of further escalation in the coming days.

Railway stations adapt

In Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur, where temperatures touched 43.8°C, authorities have initiated unusual cooling measures. Water sprinklers have been installed on railway platforms to provide relief to passengers exposed to extreme heat.

Officials indicated that such interventions aim to reduce surface temperatures and prevent heat-related illnesses among commuters.

Tourists affected badly

The heatwave has begun affecting tourism as well. In Agra, at least six visitors at the Taj Mahal reportedly fell ill due to excessive heat exposure. Rising temperatures have also led to a visible dip in tourist footfall in Rajasthan cities such as Jaipur and Udaipur.

Local administration teams have been placed on alert to respond to medical emergencies linked to heat stress.

Delhi schools on alert

In the national capital, where temperatures are expected to breach 45°C this week, authorities have issued specific guidelines for schools. Institutions have been instructed to ring a bell every 45 to 60 minutes to remind students to drink water.

Officials said the move is aimed at preventing dehydration and heatstroke among children, particularly during peak afternoon hours.

Warm nights warning

Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal and eight other districts, has recorded a rare “warm night” warning. Night-time temperatures are expected to remain above 27°C, offering little respite from the daytime heat.

Weather experts noted that such conditions increase health risks as the human body does not get sufficient cooling time overnight.

Rain in northeast

While northern and central India battle extreme heat, the northeast is witnessing heavy rainfall. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive intense showers, with waterlogging already reported in parts of Guwahati.

The IMD has also issued rain alerts for Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura over the next 24 hours.

Storm alerts south

Southern and coastal regions are expected to see mixed weather conditions. Parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala and coastal Goa may experience thunderstorms and rainfall.

Lightning warnings have been issued for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, prompting authorities to advise caution in vulnerable areas.

What lies ahead

According to forecasts, heatwave conditions will persist on April 23 across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Odisha and Rajasthan. By April 24, humid weather is expected in Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with scattered rainfall in parts of southern India.

As the heatwave in India continues, authorities are urging citizens to avoid direct sun exposure, stay hydrated and follow official advisories.

India is set to witness an intense summer as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for several regions between April and June. The warning covers the Ganga plains, eastern coastal states, and western regions including Gujarat and Maharashtra, where above-normal temperatures and prolonged heatwave conditions are expected.

According to officials, the IMD heatwave alert indicates that many areas could see a higher number of heatwave days than usual, raising concerns for public health and infrastructure.

Regions at Risk

The alert highlights eastern and central parts of the country as particularly vulnerable. Southern West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana are expected to face the most severe conditions.

In northern and central India, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and parts of Madhya Pradesh are also likely to experience heatwave spells. Western regions, including parts of Gujarat and northern Maharashtra, are expected to see rising temperatures as well.

Temperature Trends

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said several regions already record high baseline temperatures during this period. Vidarbha, for instance, typically sees temperatures of 41–42°C, while northern states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana often record 40–44°C in May.

He noted that the coming months could push temperatures even higher, requiring preparedness for extreme conditions.

Forecast Timeline

The IMD has projected that heatwave conditions may develop intermittently between April and June, with peak intensity expected in May. The department has already issued seasonal forecasts and continues to update them periodically.

Officials said extended-range forecasts are released every Thursday, covering the next four weeks, while district-level warnings are issued daily for up to seven days.

Alert Systems Activated

Authorities have stepped up efforts to disseminate warnings, particularly to vulnerable populations. According to officials, alerts are being shared through WhatsApp groups, public display systems, and government communication networks.

The National Disaster Management Authority’s common alert protocol is also being used to send notifications directly to mobile users, especially targeting outdoor workers such as labourers, street vendors, and farmers.

Public Health Concerns

Experts warn that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Urban areas may face additional stress due to the “urban heat island” effect, while rural regions could see impacts on agriculture and water availability.

Officials indicated that local administrations have been advised to prepare heat action plans, ensure water supply, and arrange medical support systems.

What Lies Ahead

The IMD heatwave alert suggests that rising temperatures during pre-monsoon months are becoming a recurring trend. While slight variations may occur year to year, the overall pattern points to increasing heat intensity.

Authorities are expected to continue issuing regular updates and advisories as conditions evolve. Citizens have been urged to follow official guidance, limit outdoor exposure during peak hours, and stay hydrated.