The issue of monkeys entering residential areas and posing a threat to people was discussed in the Rajasthan Assembly. Congress MLA Manish Yadav highlighted the problem through a Calling Attention Motion. Minister of State for Urban Development, Jhabar Singh Kharra, attributed the issue to increasing monkey populations, food shortages, and human encroachment into forest areas.
Monkeys have been migrating into villages and cities due to these factors, causing disturbances. The minister mentioned that local bodies capture and relocate monkeys, but they often return within a week. He emphasized the need for designated feeding and habitation zones by the Forest Department as a long-term solution. Efforts are being made to release monkeys into natural habitats and find a permanent resolution based on inputs from legislators.
The Forest Department has reclassified monkeys from wild animals to neither wild nor village-city animals. Despite being released into the wild, monkeys tend to return to human settlements. Minister Kharra disclosed that in the Shahpura Assembly constituency, hundreds of monkeys have been captured and released over the years. Congress MLA Manish Yadav raised concerns over the severity of the issue, citing instances of people being vaccinated for rabies due to monkey bites.
State Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma assured that the suggestions put forth by Minister Kharra regarding the Forest Department would be taken into consideration for implementation.
