The Delhi Legislative Assembly is adopting a novel strategy to tackle the persistent problem of monkeys on its premises. Instead of employing real langurs, the authorities plan to use recorded langur calls to scare the simian intruders away.
A Persistent Primate Problem
For years, the Delhi Assembly complex has been grappling with a significant monkey menace. The animals have been a source of nuisance and potential danger, often entering offices and causing disruptions. The issue was formally raised in the House by AAP MLA Akhilesh Pati Tripathi, highlighting the safety concerns for staff, visitors, and the security of the building itself.
The problem escalated recently when monkeys managed to enter the office of the Secretary of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. This breach underscored the urgency of finding an effective and humane solution to keep the primates at bay.
The Langur Mimicry Solution
In response, the Assembly's administration has decided to implement a unique deterrent. The plan involves playing pre-recorded sounds of langur calls at strategic locations around the complex. Langurs are natural predators of the smaller rhesus macaques commonly seen in urban Delhi, and their presence or sound typically causes monkeys to flee.
This method offers a modern alternative to the older, now illegal, practice of using live langurs for monkey control. The initiative received the green light following discussions in the House and subsequent administrative approval. The project is currently in the tendering process, seeking a vendor to supply and install the necessary audio equipment.
Implementation and Broader Context
The Secretary of the Delhi Legislative Assembly confirmed the development, stating that the process to acquire the system is underway. This technological approach is seen as a sustainable and non-harmful way to manage the wildlife conflict.
The monkey menace is not confined to the Assembly; it is a widespread issue across many parts of Delhi and other Indian cities. Monkeys often venture into human habitats in search of food, leading to frequent encounters. The Delhi Assembly's experiment with langur mimicry could serve as a model for other government institutions and residential areas facing similar challenges.
If successful, this audio-based deterrent could provide a blueprint for managing urban wildlife conflicts without causing harm to the animals, balancing ecological concerns with public safety and administrative smooth functioning.
