UP Government Commits to Monkey Menace Action Plan
The Uttar Pradesh government has given a crucial assurance to the Allahabad High Court. Officials stated that the state's environment, forest and climate change department will prepare a detailed work plan to address the growing monkey menace. The department has committed to completing this plan within one month.
Court Hearing on Public Interest Litigation
A division bench of the Allahabad High Court heard the matter recently. The bench comprised Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra. They were considering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by social workers Vineet Sharma and Prajakta Singhal.
The PIL highlights several serious concerns. It points to the rapidly increasing monkey population across Uttar Pradesh. The petition also details rising conflicts between monkeys and humans. Furthermore, it raises issues about hunger and food scarcity affecting the simians. The living conditions of these animals often involve cruelty and starvation.
The petitioners seek a harmonious balance. They want to reconcile rights under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution with animal rights. Specifically, they advocate for the monkeys' right to food and freedom from hunger and starvation.
Government's Response and Court Directions
Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal represented the state government during the hearing. He presented minutes from a key meeting held on January 8. This meeting included officials from all concerned departments. Representatives from the Lucknow Municipal Corporation and a member of People for Animals also attended.
The meeting reached a significant conclusion. Participants decided that the primary responsibility for managing the monkey menace lies with the environment, forest and climate change department. They also agreed that this department would create a comprehensive work plan within thirty days. Other departments pledged their full support for implementing this plan.
The court has taken the government's assurance on official record. In an order dated January 13, the bench directed the listing of this PIL for further hearing on February 17. This follows a previous court order from December 3, 2025, which required authorities to take necessary action.
Widespread Impact Across the State
Lawyers for the petitioners, Akash Vashishtha and Pawan Tiwari, presented compelling evidence to the court. They showed newspaper reports detailing violent monkey attacks in multiple districts. These incidents occurred in Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Sitapur, Bareilly, and Agra.
The lawyers argued that this is not a localized problem. The issue affects the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. They described how monkey troops, sometimes numbering 200 or more, roam freely. This creates widespread fear and disruption.
Crops are suffering extensive damage. Farmers watch helplessly as monkeys destroy their hard work. Schools face constant challenges in protecting children from aggressive simians. Many residents feel trapped in their own homes, too afraid to venture outside.
Proposed Solutions and Next Steps
The Animal Welfare Board of India has already submitted a modified tentative action plan. The High Court suggested that the environment department consider this proposal while preparing its own strategy. The state government has requested additional time to finalize and present its complete action plan to the court.
All parties now await the environment department's work plan. This document will outline specific measures to control the monkey population. It should also address habitat creation and food security for the animals. The plan must reduce human-monkey conflicts across Uttar Pradesh.
The next court hearing on February 17 will be crucial. Officials will present the finalized action plan for judicial review. The High Court expects concrete steps and a clear timeline for implementation.
