Animal activist urge authorities to prevent interference of humans in animal habitat

A Golden Jackal was spotted at Vastu Vihar in Sector 16, Kharghar. Animal activists have urged authorities to ensure that the habitat of animals like Golden Jackal is not disturbed due to human interference as there could be untoward incidents which could take place.

In the past, apart from Sector 16, Jackals have also been spotted at Sector 25, Kharghar. But due to human interference in their habitat area, the jackals are displaced. They are also prone to be hit by moving vehicles or miscreants harming them for their amusement.

While speaking to Newsband, Seema Tank, an animal activist said, “I urge authorities and animal welfare groups to ensure that these animals are protected. These mangroves areas serve as their habitats. Humans need to be sensitised so that there are no man-animal conflicts. An untoward incident like a jackal being hit by a moving car could also take place. There should be less public interference in such areas.”

She added, “There could be an incident wherein locals would not only harm but could also play with these wildlife animals. The only reason being is illegal encroachment by the locals and random urbanisation of the nodes. No place is left for them to live in peace and harmony with nature.”

She tagged authorities such as the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC), City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Maharashtra Forest Department along with animal welfare groups like PETA, Bombay Natural History Society, Kharghar Wetlands, Environment Life Foundation which is led by Dharmesh Barai, Save Navi Mumbai Environment group, which is led by Sunil Agarwal.

Tank further said, “I have no issue with fishermen trying to earn a livelihood by fishing in mangrove areas, but the habitat of golden jackals and jackals must not be disturbed. In the past, at Sector 16, Kharghar illegal huts have come up and encroached on the habitat of these jackals. There used to be 3 to 4 jackals in that area. Strict action needs to be taken by authorities; I have mentioned this in my tweet, so that no harm is caused to the wildlife in Kharghar.