The historic city of Jaipur is grappling with a rapidly escalating crisis as aggressive monkey troops terrorize residents across its neighborhoods. From the bustling lanes of the Walled City to the suburban areas of Sanganer, daily life has been severely disrupted, with people reporting sudden attacks, snatched food, and even bites.
Residents Narrate Tales of Harassment and Injury
In Brahmpuri, the problem has crossed the threshold from public spaces into private homes. Devkumari, a local resident, shared her traumatic experience, revealing that monkeys frequently descend from rooftops to invade houses. "I was bitten by one and had to take five injections," she said, adding that repeated complaints to the Municipal Corporation have yielded no results, leaving families in a state of constant fear.
The sentiment of helplessness is echoed in other parts of the city. Rajeshwar Sharma, another resident, pointed out a sharp rise in the monkey population in recent weeks. He criticized the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) for its perceived carelessness, stating that the threat exists whether one is in the market or simply standing outside their own home, putting lives at risk.
Widespread Complaints from Sanganer to Sheopur Road
The issue is not confined to one locality. Similar distressing accounts are emerging from areas like Raghunathpuri First on Sheopur Road in Sanganer. Resident Vijendra Khatri described the situation as one of daily harassment that has made routine movement a challenging ordeal. The simple act of stepping out of the house has become fraught with anxiety, and the community's demand for a swift resolution is growing louder by the day.
Even peaceful activities like enjoying the winter sun on terraces or in courtyards have turned risky, with monkeys often launching sudden group attacks.
Official Response and the Challenge of Control
On the official front, Dr. Rakesh Kaloriya from the JMC's animal management department acknowledged that complaints are being received daily. The corporation has taken a step by issuing a tender to a professional monkey-catching agency. However, he highlighted the practical difficulties in controlling the simian population.
"Cages are placed after complaints, but unless the leader of the group is caught, it is difficult to capture the entire troop," Dr. Kaloriya explained. He also cited logistical constraints, noting that a cage cannot be kept at one location for more than two days, which complicates sustained capture efforts.
This gap between the rising public anguish and the procedural challenges faced by the authorities underscores a growing urban management issue in Pink City. The need for an effective, long-term strategy to ensure public safety is now more urgent than ever.
