Monkey menace: Forest dept may turn to ETF

Subhash Rajta

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 9

The wildlife wing of the Forest Department is considering sending an SOS to the Eco Task Force (ETF) comprising ex-servicemen to help it control the growing monkey menace in Shimla.

“The proposal is under consideration. Once it is approved, we will approach the ETF,” said a wildlife wing official. It has been learnt that the department was awaiting clarity over financial liabilities involved in the process before hiring the force.

The department had hired the ETF men in the last couple of years, and they had proved quite effective in keeping the monkeys from attacking unsuspecting tourists. “They are well trained and not scared of monkeys. So, the animals stay away from places where they are deputed in the town,” the official said.

Their services were discontinued following the outbreak of Covid-19. During the lockdown, monkeys had retreated into the forest and the peripheral villages. But now, especially with the tourists thronging the town, the simians are back. “The situation has become alarming. Recently, two women fell off the roofs of their houses when they were attacked by monkeys. While one died, the other broke her spine and was left bed ridden,” said Rakesh Chauhan, a councillor from Kasumpti ward.

“I raised the matter in the MC House and was assured by Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj that he would soon call a meeting of top officials to formulate some strategy,” Chauhan said.

As monkeys had started entering houses and attacking people, Bhardwaj had even suggested a change in the MC laws to allow people to cover up their balconies.

While stressing that the department was doing everything possible, including sterilisation programmes and operating a helpline number, to control the menace, the wildlife officials said people, too, needed to mend their ways.

“Monkeys’ dependence on humans has increased because of improper disposal of garbage, throwing food in the open and some even feeding them. If we can take care of all this, they will retreat to forests,” an official stated.

Chauhan, however, is not convinced. “These are all excuses. The wildlife wing is simply not doing enough to check the menace,” he added.

Why the Eco Task Force

• The Forest Department has been hiring the Eco Task Force (ETF), comprising ex-servicemen, for the past couple of years
• They had proved quite effective in keeping monkeys from attacking unsuspecting tourists. However, their services were discontinued following the outbreak of Covid-19
• During the lockdown, monkeys had retreated into the forests and the peripheral villages. But now, especially with the tourists thronging the town, the simians are back