The Maharashtra government has doubled the fee for capturing nuisance-causing monkeys to Rs 600 per animal, revising the earlier rate of Rs 300, according to a new government resolution issued on April 22, 2026. The decision comes in response to repeated demands from people's representatives and aims to tackle the rising human-monkey conflict across the state.
Revised Fee Structure
Forest department officials stated that the revised rate would encourage safer trapping of monkeys and provide relief to residents in both urban and rural areas frequently affected by crop damage and public nuisance. Previously, the low payment had failed to attract interest from trained trappers, even as monkeys caused extensive damage to farms and settlements.
Under the scheme, monkeys belonging to the Rhesus Macaque and Gray Langur species found creating trouble in human habitations will be captured using secure nets or cages. Each capture will be officially documented with photographs or videos, and the animals will be relocated to their natural habitat at least 10 km away from human settlements, said a senior forest department official requesting anonymity.
Implementation and Debate
The revised fee structure is to be implemented immediately, while other existing conditions remain unchanged. However, the move has sparked debate among wildlife rescuers, who argue that Rs 600 may still be inadequate given the risks involved.
Dhananjay Namjoshi, an animal rescuer from Kolhapur, pointed out that monkeys and langurs cause crop losses worth Rs 40-50 lakh every year, costs later borne by the forest department as compensation. Capturing monkeys is highly risky and requires skill and experience. These animals often attack out of fear, and rescuers end up paying for medical treatment and anti-rabies injections themselves. Considering the danger and effort involved, even Rs 600 per monkey is less, he said.
Wildlife experts have echoed similar concerns, calling for higher funding to ensure safer and more effective management of the monkey menace across the state.
