The Noida Authority has decided to hire a private agency to tackle the growing monkey problem in the city. This agency will capture the monkeys and move them to protected forest areas in Greater Noida.
Complaints from Residents Prompt Action
Officials from the Authority stated they received numerous complaints from various sectors about the increasing monkey menace. Residents are facing significant issues with these animals.
How the Capture Will Work
The Authority issued a tender to hire an agency for this task. The agency will set up nets at specific locations identified as problem areas. They will use food as bait to lure the monkeys. When a monkey tries to eat the food, the net will automatically lock, trapping the animal.
After capture, the monkeys will be released into designated protected forest zones in Greater Noida. The agency will receive payment of approximately Rs 500 to Rs 600 for each monkey successfully caught and relocated. The cost for daily food supplies for the monkeys will be handled separately.
Residents Voice Their Concerns
People living in sectors 11, 12, 14, 15, 19, 29, and 51 have raised the alarm about the monkey issue. They report that monkeys frequently damage property, snatch food from individuals, enter homes and offices, and cause panic among the community.
Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Sector 51, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He said the monkey menace has become a major concern in Noida. "They move in groups and sometimes attack children. They also climb water tanks and remove the covers. At times, they enter kitchens, open refrigerators, and run away with food," Kumar explained. He urged the Authority to speed up the catching and relocation process.
Root Causes of the Conflict
The rising monkey population, their reliance on food waste produced by humans, and the shrinking of natural habitats have all contributed to frequent conflicts between humans and monkeys in urban areas. This creates a challenging environment for both residents and the animals.
Court Intervention and Government Response
Earlier this month, the Allahabad High Court criticized the state government for not presenting a solid action plan to address the escalating human-monkey conflict. A bench consisting of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra noted that the "helplessness, as expressed, cannot be accepted" and gave the government another chance to follow its earlier instructions.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Ghaziabad residents Vineet Sharma and Prajkta Singhal. They highlighted the growing threat to residents and the suffering of monkeys due to hunger and poor living conditions in cities.
On January 13, Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal informed the division bench that during an all-department meeting on January 8, it was decided the environment department would take responsibility for managing this conflict. This move aims to streamline efforts and ensure a coordinated approach to the problem.
