Karnal MC starts monkey-catching drive, 35 released into Kalesar forest

In a major relief for the residents of the city, the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) has started a campaign to address the monkey menace in the city. As part of this initiative, a team has captured around 35 monkeys from Sector 6, Sector 9, Prem Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, and the industrial area. All the monkeys were medically examined and subsequently released into the Kalesar forest.

Dr Vaishali Sharma, KMC Commissioner, emphasised the corporation's commitment to resolving the issue. She said a similar campaign was conducted earlier but was temporarily paused during the festive season. During the previous phase, around 60 monkeys were captured. The current campaign will continue till all the monkeys have been relocated, she said.

Dr Sharma said cages were being placed in areas where complaints are received. Residents facing monkey-related problems in their locality were requested to report the issue by contacting the agency at 9690402290 or the KMC's toll-free number 18001802700.

She said the campaign followed strict guidelines set by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), including that monkeys were to be captured humanely, adhering to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Besides, the captured monkeys were being released into the Kalesar forest after a medical examination by the Department of Animal Husbandry. She also clarified that during the catching drive, no intoxicants or drugs were permitted; cages and tools were also provided by the agency, along with food items like gram, jaggery, peanuts, fruits, and other edibles. Transportation, including vehicles and fuel, was the agency's responsibility, too, she said. Only trained personnel were deployed for the operation, equipped with safety kits and first-aid supplies, she added.

She said any cruelty or negligence during the campaign would not be tolerated.

It is learnt that people of various areas were annoyed due to the monkey menace and raised the issue with the authorities also. In a recently held meeting with the officials of the KMC, newly elected MLA Jagmohan Anand and former Mayor Renu Bala Gupta also raised the issue and directed the authorities to take steps to address the issue.

On the other hand, the residents also welcomed the step and said all monkeys should be captured and released in Kalesar forest.