Date: March 18-20, 2025
Location: Kurseong Forest Division – Bagdogra, Panighatta, Bamanpokhri, Ghoshpukur

In response to the Hon’ble High Court of Kolkata’s suo moto directive aimed at preventing unnatural deaths of wild animals due to electrocution, Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA) actively participated in a four-day joint inspection and awareness campaign alongside the Forest Department, WBSEDCL, and local law enforcement.

Day 1: Identifying Threats on Ground
The inspection began across sensitive zones under the Kurseong Forest Division including Bagdogra, Panighatta, Bamanpokhri, and Ghoshpukur Forest Ranges. The team identified several threats such as sagging power lines, exposed transmitters, and illegal connections—factors that pose a high risk of electrocution to wildlife.

Day 2: Inspection and Awareness Expansion
On 19 March 2025, NWA continued the drive with participation from ADFO Bagdogra, forest officials from Panighatta, Tukriyajhar, and Ghoshpukur Ranges, along with the Police, WBSEDCL (Bidhannagar & Bagdogra), B.D.O Office Phansidewa, Panchayat members, NGOs, and JFMC representatives. The combined focus was not just on inspection, but also on engaging local communities to raise awareness about safe electricity practices and wildlife protection.

Day 3: Strengthening Collaboration
The drive progressed on 20 March 2025 under the leadership of Bagdogra Forest Range Officials with active support from WBSEDCL (Hatighisha and Bagdogra), panchayat members, NGOs, and local forest stakeholders. The team revisited vulnerable areas to assess previous risks and reinforce safety practices.

These collaborative efforts underline the urgent need to address electrocution hazards in forest-fringe areas, not only to reduce human-wildlife conflict but also to ensure the safety of both communities and the biodiversity that surrounds them.

Together, through inspection, accountability, and awareness, we aim to build a safer habitat for all life forms.