Haryana: 6,000 monkeys documented in three days

Officials said the monkey census was conducted between April 28 and April 30 and was part of a larger Wildlife Census for Haryana-2021, which was halted later keeping in view the increasing number of Covid cases in the state.

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At least 36 monkeys were found dead in Belur outside the forest area in Chowdanahalli village of Hassan district. (Representational Image)

At least 600 people throughout Haryana participated in a three-day Monkey Census and documented approximately 6,000 monkeys on a specially designed mobile application by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

Officials said the monkey census was conducted between April 28 and April 30 and was part of a larger Wildlife Census for Haryana-2021, which was halted later keeping in view the increasing number of Covid cases in the state.

An official, who is a member of a joint team of WII, Dehradun, and Haryana Wildlife department, said, “At least 600 people documented at least 6,000 monkeys from their balconies and/or rooftops of their houses in Haryana. We had put a condition that the participants in the online survey will not venture out of their houses for the survey. The animals would be only observed from within the house. The maximum number of responses were received from the districts of Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Kurushetra, Gurugram, Rewari, and Hisar. The mobile application — titled ‘Wildlife Census Haryana’ — was designed by WII, Dehradun. We are in the process of streamlining the documented monkeys in a scientific manner. The monkey census was part of Wildlife Census 2021.”

The Wildlife Census 2021 was to be held in two parts — line transects survey within and outside the Protected Areas and census through camera traps. The first part of training the field staff of Haryana Forest and Wildlife department about the techniques to be adopted during the census has been completed.

IFS, ML Rajvanshi, Haryana, said, “The increasing number of Covid-19 cases forced us to halt the ongoing census. We completed the training for our field staff but decided to abandon the field survey keeping in view the safety of wild animals as well as our staff members. We have so far not decided a date when the census will be resumed. The census was much awaited and we paid around Rs 42 lakh to WII, Dehradun, for the same.”

Sources said, “At least 20 per cent employees of the state forest and wildlife department, especially those working in the field, have been affected by Covid-19 so far. The department has prohibited the entry of visitors to national parks, zoos, wildlife sanctuaries in the state keeping in view of Covid-19 protocols.”

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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