Kharghar: The tragic death of a Golden Jackal near DAV Public School in Sector 15, Kharghar, has sparked outrage among local animal lovers and raised renewed concerns about wildlife protection in the area. The jackal was found late Sunday night around 11 p.m., and animal welfare officer Seema Tank suspects it was hit by a passing vehicle. After spotting the carcass, Tank and her colleague promptly alerted the Forest Department, who took the animal's body for further investigation and a post-mortem examination.

This incident comes just months after another Golden Jackal was found dead in a nearby Kharghar forest area, highlighting the impact of habitat encroachment. Animal advocates are blaming illegal encroachments and ongoing construction near the wetlands for increasing wildlife fatalities and habitat destruction.

“The golden jackals of Kharghar wetlands enrich the local biodiversity and are a unique part of our ecosystem,” Tank explained. "Photographers and residents alike admire their presence, but continuous encroachment threatens both the habitat and safety of these animals."

Environmental activists have been urging the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to hand over management of all wetlands and mangrove areas to the Forest Department for protection. Activists argue that without decisive action, wildlife in Kharghar will continue to face increased risks due to urban expansion and unchecked encroachment.