The Airfield of Calcutta Airport at Dumdum has been the habitat of some 15 to 20 Jackals in recent months. Many take offs and landings have been delayed in the past few months. During rain, as their den is flooded, the jackals roam about in open and even on the runways.
Earlier this month, an Air India flight from Guwahati spotted some jackals near the runway but managed to land safely. But the next plane from Silchar has to hover over Calcutta for half an hour burning some 250 litres of precious turbine fuel costing around Rs.20000/-. The cost, in case of an Air Bus 320, will be around Rs.120000/- for 30 minutes delay in landing.
In case the pilot is unable to spot the jackals, the landing may cause accident resulting in loss of life or damage to the aircraft as per airport officials who also forwarded the matter to the forest department for clearing the menace.
The Principal Chief Conservator of forest said today (12th July) that as it was a question of safety of passengers and planes; he has directed the wildlife wing to take urgent steps. According to him a team would start work shortly to trap the jackals with baits and cage them to relocate them elsewhere.