Panchkula: Take steps to curb monkey menace in trans-Ghaggar areas, Punjab HC tells MC

In March last year, the citizens first approached the HC with a PIL in the matter. The HC had in orders passed the same month asked the petitioners to pursue the matter with the forest department. In April, the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) issued a letter to chief conservator of forests to take action in the matter. A letter was then issued by the district wildlife warden to Panchkula MC to give report on the total number of monkeys to be captured. But the citizens allege that no action has since been taken by any authorities.

It was demanded that the authorities earmark suitable translocation of the monkeys and conduct a population census for them. They also demanded that the authorities, following their statutory duties, ensure compliance with laws to keep the area rubbish-free, so monkeys are not attracted to the location. A high presence of simians/ rhesus monkeys in the vicinity of Sector 25 has caused menace in the area. Khol Hai Ratan Wildlife Sanctuary and garbage dumps along with several other small forest areas in the area further attract them. “The situation is such that this entire area of approximately 1 kilometre radius has more monkeys than humans,” the petition reads.

Citing another similar case wherein the High Court had issued orders for control of monkey menace in Chandigarh, the court directed the Panchkula MC to take all measures to contain this menace. The court has also asked the MC to file a compliance report within the next six months.

“The official respondents would also do well if they set up a special monkey sterilisation centre and take appropriate steps, as one time drive to neuter the monkeys, in case it is found that monkey population is alarmingly high enough, so as to be a burden even on the wildlife habitat. A census survey shall have to be then carried out as an essential pre-requisite, before carrying out any sterilisation drive,” the court order issued on September 20, 2020, had read.

The residents have now written to Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, enclosing a copy of the orders asking him to take necessary steps and give out instructions in this regard.