Avinash Azad
In response to a query by MLA Chenani, Balwant Singh Mankotia, regarding crop damage caused by monkeys and other wild animals in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir, the government confirmed the issue and outlined various measures to mitigate the problem.
“Yes, Sir, crops and fruit orchards are sometimes being damaged by the menace of monkeys and other wild animals in the UT of J&K,”” the government acknowledged.
Measures to Protect Crops from Monkeys and Wild Animals
The government detailed several initiatives aimed at safeguarding agricultural and horticultural areas:
1. Promotion of Alternate Fruit Crops: Farmers in monkey-infested areas are encouraged to grow crops that monkeys typically avoid, such as citrus fruits, aloe vera, karonda, and dragon fruit.
2. Solar Fencing: Under the JKCIP scheme, farmers receive 50% assistance (up to ₹1.0 lakh/Ha) for installing solar fencing to protect their crops.
3. Monkey-Scare/Repeller Guns: These devices are promoted in orchard areas to minimize the impact of monkey intrusions.
4. Fruit Plantation in Forest Areas: Fruit plants are being cultivated in forest areas to provide a food source for monkeys and deter them from entering agricultural zones.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns: The Forest Department conducts awareness programs to discourage people from feeding monkeys, reducing their proximity to human habitats.
Additionally, the government addressed reports of stray horses and mules damaging crops in Jammu’s Nikki Tawi and Nagrota areas. The Jammu Municipal Corporation has taken action by capturing these animals and impounding them at the Seri Kurd Nagrota cattle pound.
Policy on Controlling the Monkey Population
When asked about plans to introduce a policy to control the growing monkey population, the government referred to the amended Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (as amended in 2022), which removed the rhesus macaque (monkey) from the list of protected wild animals. While there is no specific policy to control their population, the government continues to raise public awareness on the issue.
Efforts to Prevent Human-Animal Conflicts
In response to another query about steps taken to prevent human-animal conflicts, the government outlined comprehensive measures implemented by the Department of Wildlife Protection to address conflicts both inside and outside protected areas:
1. Control Rooms: 42 control rooms have been established across J&K to address poaching and human-wildlife conflicts. These control rooms are equipped with tranquilizing guns, medicines, capture nets, and cages.
2. Animal Capture and Relocation: Cages are installed at vulnerable points to capture and safely relocate wild animals posing threats to human life and property.
3. Public Awareness Initiatives: Guidelines on human-wildlife conflict prevention (Do’s and Don’ts) are disseminated through electronic, print, and social media platforms.
4. Inter-Departmental Cooperation: The Department of Wildlife Protection collaborates with the Police, Revenue, Forest Departments, and the general public to effectively manage conflict situations.
5. Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme: The Housing & Urban Development Department conducts an ABC programme under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2022. This initiative involves capturing stray dogs, performing sterilization surgeries, and vaccinating them against rabies to reduce the stray dog population and mitigate human-animal conflicts.
6. Local Animal Birth Control Committees: All Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have established Local Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committees. Various awareness programs on animal birth control and human-animal conflict prevention are also conducted under this initiative.
No Fresh Policy on Monkey Population Control Reiterating their stance, the government confirmed, “No, Sir. Following the amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (as amended in 2022), the rhesus macaque has been removed from the list of protected wild animals.”
