Delhi's Monkey Relocation Drive: 6,591 Captured, But Problem Persists
New Delhi faces an ongoing battle with its monkey population. The city's forests and wildlife department reveals a key strategy. Between February 2021 and December 2025, authorities captured and relocated 6,591 monkeys. They moved these animals to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
Relocation Numbers Show Sharp Increase
The data shows a clear escalation in efforts. In 2021, officials shifted 498 monkeys. This number nearly tripled to 1,484 in 2022. Civic agencies resumed full-scale drives that year.
The momentum continued in 2023. Authorities relocated 1,643 monkeys, the highest figure in the five-year period. Numbers dipped slightly to 1,432 in 2024. They rose again to 1,534 in 2025.
These statistics suggest the problem remains unresolved. Complaints of monkey attacks continue unabated. Residents report raids across residential colonies, hospitals, and offices.
Court Order Drives Relocation Efforts
The relocation follows a Delhi High Court order. The court placed responsibility on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council. This happened after rhesus macaques were removed from the schedules of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The court directed civic bodies to treat these monkeys as stray animals. They must remove them from public parks, hospitals, government offices, and residential areas. The animals then go to the Asola Bhatti sanctuary for rehabilitation.
MCD and NDMC handle relocation of healthy animals. The forest department steps in to rescue injured monkeys following complaints.
Residents Report Limited Success
Atul Goyal, president of United Residents Joint Action, shares resident frustrations. This umbrella body represents residents welfare associations. Goyal says monkeys often return within weeks despite regular drives.
"Despite government claims of relocating so many monkeys, the nuisance has not gone down," Goyal states. "We keep getting complaints from resident groups."
He suggests additional measures. The government needs to work on sterilization programs. They must enforce strict feeding bans in residential areas. Creating enough ecological balance in forests is crucial. This would prevent monkeys from moving out in search of food.
Experts Question Relocation Effectiveness
Wildlife experts raise concerns about the current approach. Many relocated monkeys either return to urban areas. New groups often occupy vacated territories. The Asola Bhatti's fragile ecosystem struggles to absorb thousands of urban-adapted monkeys.
Animal welfare expert Gauri Maulekhi explains the situation. She serves as trustee of People For Animals. Monkeys are highly social animals living in troops of 15 to 50.
"As their natural habitats shrink, their foraging behaviour increasingly shifts towards urban solid waste," Maulekhi says. "This explains the growing monkey population in Delhi."
She calls relocation to Asola Bhatti a temporary measure at best. The sanctuary houses a rescue facility and adjoins forest land where animals are released.
"While such relocation may be acceptable as an interim step, it does not offer a long-term solution," Maulekhi points out.
Scientists Explore Permanent Solutions
Maulekhi suggests a permanent and humane resolution. Monkey populations must be scientifically stabilized through immunocontraception. This approach aligns with court directions.
Immunocontraception represents a non-invasive and globally proven method. It helps control wild animal populations effectively. The Wildlife Institute of India is undertaking clinical and field trials for this move.
"Unlike companion animals such as dogs, monkeys cannot be subjected to surgical population control," Maulekhi adds. This makes immunocontraception a particularly suitable option for managing Delhi's monkey population in the long term.
