Rajasthan Assembly Debates Monkey Menace: A Mix of Humor and Seriousness
The Rajasthan Assembly on Monday witnessed a unique blend of humor and seriousness as legislators debated the escalating monkey menace in Jaipur and across the state. The issue, raised by Congress MLA from Shahpura, Manish Yadav, sparked a discussion that oscillated between concern, levity, and nostalgic reflections.
Minister's Unexpected Lesson on Monkey Biology
Urban Development and Housing Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra, responding to the Calling Attention motion, began with an unexpected biological insight. "There are two kinds of monkeys—one is the Hanuman monkey, and the other is the red-faced monkey. Biology considers both of them to be ancestors of humans," he said, eliciting smiles across the House. This lighthearted start set the tone for a debate that would soon turn grave.
Nostalgia and Changing Times
Kharra then reminisced about earlier decades, noting a stark contrast in human-monkey interactions. "50 to 60 years ago, a madari would come a few times a year to show children monkeys. Today, the situation has changed dramatically," he observed. The minister highlighted how monkeys now frequently enter homes, causing property damage and occasionally attacking vulnerable residents like children and the elderly.
"These former 'ancestors' have become quite mischievous. They enter kitchens, break utensils, tear clothes, and create panic in neighborhoods," Kharra remarked, prompting light laughter even as members acknowledged the severity of the problem.
Serious Data on Monkey Attacks and Health Risks
MLA Manish Yadav underscored the urgency of the issue with alarming statistics from his constituency. "In my constituency alone, around 4,200 anti-rabies injections were administered in the last one year, and nearly 4,000 of those cases were due to monkey bites. This shows how grave the situation has become," Yadav stated. He urged the government to adopt a permanent and scientific solution, moving beyond temporary relocation drives that have proven ineffective.
Root Causes: Habitat Pressure and Food Shortages
Minister Kharra explained the underlying causes of the monkey menace, pointing to traditional habitats under strain. Key areas such as Galta Ji in Jaipur, Samod, Sariska, and Sawai Madhopur are facing pressure due to rising monkey populations and shrinking food sources. "Earlier, devotees would feed them gram and bananas. But their numbers have grown, and food has not kept pace. Human intrusion into forests has also pushed them towards towns and cities," he detailed.
He added that local bodies often capture monkeys and release them in other areas, only for them to return swiftly. "We release them in forests, and they come back as if they know the address," Kharra quipped, highlighting the futility of current methods.
Administrative Challenges and Proposed Solutions
The minister noted that monkeys are no longer strictly classified as protected wildlife, creating administrative complications. While the government has authorized district collectors to oversee action, Kharra suggested a more sustainable approach. "The forest department should identify designated areas and arrange proper feeding systems," he proposed, aiming for a long-term resolution.
Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma briefly responded, indicating that the suggestions would be examined. The debate concluded with a consensus on the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the monkey menace, balancing ecological concerns with public safety in Rajasthan.
