Airports, with their vast open spaces and proximity to natural landscapes, often experience wildlife presence in and around their premises. This is especially true in regions like Cooch Behar district, which remains relatively less urbanised and continues to support rich biodiversity, including jackals, snakes, monkeys, monitor lizards, and a variety of bird species.

Recognising the potential risks posed by wildlife around airport zones—both to human safety and animal welfare—the Airport Authority of India organised a session inviting the Cooch Behar Forest Department and HEAL to conduct a specialised seminar on ‘Wildlife Hazard Management’ for officials at Cooch Behar Airport on 20 March 2025. Led by Ardhendu Banik, HEAL’s Zonal Coordinator in Cooch Behar district, and supported by team members Sanjib Barman and Roky Sutradhar, the seminar focused on preventive measures and practical response strategies to manage wildlife presence in airport environments. Divisional Forest Officer and Additional Divisional Forest Officer, Cooch Behar Division, were also present at the seminar.

The session addressed key concerns such as excessive bird congregation, jackal intrusions, and encounters with snakes, offering actionable insights into how airport operations can be modified to reduce attractants and minimise the risk of unintended negative interactions with wildlife. The emphasis was on preventing injury or death—both human and animal—through simple, habitat-conscious interventions.

Through such collaborations, HEAL continues its efforts to foster coexistence between people and wildlife, even in the most unexpected spaces.