Darjeeling Municipality plans sterilization to address monkey menace

DARJEELING, : The Darjeeling Municipality has devised several strategies to address the growing monkey menace, particularly in the Chowrasta and Mall Road areas.

Over the past few years, numerous incidents have been reported involving monkeys harassing both locals and tourists in these popular spots.

Darjeeling Municipality chairman Dipen Thakuri stated, “There have been numerous complaints regarding this issue. We recently held a board meeting to discuss ways to tackle the problem. I proposed the sterilization of female monkeys to prevent population growth, and the board has agreed to move forward with this plan.”

Thakuri added that signboards will soon be installed in Chowrasta and Mall Road urging people not to feed the monkeys, warning that violators will face fines.

Additionally, the municipality is forming a dedicated committee to oversee the situation. Discussions are also underway with the Wildlife Forest Division to explore the possibility of relocating the monkeys to a different habitat.

Menuka Pradhan, a sweeper who has worked in Chowrasta for over seven years, said, “Compared to past years, the monkey menace has gotten out of hand. Just this Thursday, a local was bitten by one.”

A long-time Chowrasta worker, with over 20 years of experience in the area, echoed similar concerns. “The monkeys have become increasingly aggressive. They snatch items from people's hands and have even started biting,” he said.

Anuradha Rai, principal of Southfield College located on Mall Road, attributed the surge in monkey activity to the proximity of Mahakal Mandir. “Visitors and priests feed monkeys at the temple, attracting them to the area. They have broken into our college, damaged the drainage system and even torn books in the library,” she said.

To deter the animals, the college initially installed life-sized cardboard cut-outs of langurs, natural monkey deterrents. “The cut-outs were effective at first, but the monkeys eventually became accustomed to them and resumed breaking in. We have now instructed our guards to stay alert to ensure the safety of students,” Rai added.

The municipality hopes its multi-pronged approach will restore safety and normalcy to one of Darjeeling’s most visited areas.