Transmitter site of AIR Satara is located on Ajinkyatara Fort hilltop surrounded by forest. Existence of wild animals like leopard, hyena, wolf, Jackal and poisonous reptiles is a routine scenario.
Recently at around 5.30 pm, a female Leopard and her two cubs were found seated under the tree on the way to transmitter. Forest Department personal along with professional photographer have recorded this video. At the same time shift duty staff of LPTV Satara was returning from General shift.
Earlier too, two no. of Leopards had passed through transmitter premises during night time around eight to nine months back. Backside of fort is having dense forest. Dumping ground of Satara municipal corporation is adjacent to this site, lot of stray dogs are found there in search of edible things. Leopards attacks these stray dogs and come to Ajinkyatara Fort in search of water where six to seven ponds exists. One of the pond is very close to transmitter.
There remains a risk of attack on human life as it is remote, isolated area and except AIR /Doordarshan personal no other human habitat are there. More over the vehicle cannot go up-to the transmitter site, which is situated inside the Fort and the engineers have to walk up for about one kilometer from the parking site. Situation becomes still critical when engineers have to visit Transmitter in odd hours during emergency for rectification of fault etc. Salute to the engineers for their courage and determination to run the Public Service Broadcasting despite the risks.
Source : Nitin Chaware