Jackal roadkills in New Town worry activists, residents
Times of India | 24 February 2025
Kolkata: The deaths of multiple jackals in road accidents in New Town over the past few weeks have raised serious concerns among environmentalists and wildlife activists. These incidents that were reported near Eco Park, Action Areas II and III, and stretches of the New Town Main Arterial Road — areas that were once natural habitats for the species but have now been transformed into high-traffic zones — have highlighted the dangers posed by rapid urbanisation and increasing vehicular movement in the region. Forest officials said at least 12 injured jackals were rescued in the first two months from New Town while there were multiple deaths, the latest two on last Thursday and Monday.
"The indigenous population of golden jackals and Bengal foxes in New Town and Rajarhat is endangered and dwindling due to construction work all around. Jackals and foxes are known to be clever, but evidently, they are yet to understand how to cross the roads safely. We request all to drive carefully in AA2 and AA3 areas, especially late at night and early in the morning. Animals might not be aware of something called ‘road safety', but then, we are not animals. Let us ensure safety for ourselves and other animals," Facebook user M Datta Gupta posted on Monday while sharing a photograph of a dead jackal. Gupta wrote the animal was found dead in Action Area 3, between IOC petrol pump and IIT KGP building.
Several road users and residents have expressed concern over the situation, with some calling for immediate intervention like construction of wildlife corridors, installation of warning signs, and speed limit enforcement in ecologically sensitive areas.
"Every now and then, I find dead foxes and jackals around New Town and Rajarhat, all road kills," wrote Shraddha Priyanka. "We are responsible for snatching away their habitat," wrote Priyanka Kar.
Apurba Kar, another resident of New Town, sought help from the forest department, saying: "There are still so many of them within the project area of the Uniworld city campus. Over the years, their population is decreasing as there are fewer and fewer bushy areas and a scarcity of food. Most are undernourished and are about to die. Can the forest dept relocate them where they can survive?"
The forest department has acknowledged the issue and said that efforts are underway to mitigate further casualties. "Awareness campaigns will be launched to sensitise motorists. We have rescued several injured animals from New Town. If a dog gets injured, people rush to treat it but people are still afraid of jackals. That is why many die untreated," said an official from the department.
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