NU’s Innovative Device to Protect Citizens from Wild Animal Attacks Researchers from Nagpur University have developed a groundbreaking device designed to safeguard people, particularly in rural areas, from leopard and other wild animal attacks. The project, led by senior physicist Sanjay Dhoble, head of the NU postgraduate physics department, and Amit Ramesh Bansod from Babasaheb Ambedkar College, features a wearable aluminium cage that functions as a protective shield. The mesh-like structure is engineered to fit over the head and extend across the body through two foldable sections at the back. It is equipped with eight speakers and a secure grip mechanism. In the event of an encounter with a leopard or tiger, the user can activate a hook mechanism that instantly deploys the cage around the body. Simultaneously, the speakers emit loud deterrent sounds—such as cries for help, drumbeats, and shouting—to scare the animal and alert nearby people. The researchers emphasized that the device is lightweight, easy to use, and can be charged at home, making it suitable for farmers, laborers, and residents in vulnerable regions. The innovation comes amid a surge in leopard sightings and attacks in areas like Vidarbha and Marathwada. Shrinking forest cover and summer water scarcity have driven wild animals closer to human settlements, increasing the risk of encounters. Despite ongoing efforts by authorities to capture and relocate leopards, attacks and casualties continue to be reported, underscoring the need for practical safety solutions. The device has received a design registration certificate from the Government of India’s Patent Office. Vice-Chancellor Manali Kshirsagar and other university officials have congratulated the researchers for their socially relevant innovation.#nagpur_university #manali_kshirsagar #sanjay_dhoble #amit_bansod #babasaheb_ambedkar_college
