Why Did the Darjeeling Civic Body Ban Feeding Monkeys in Town?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Darjeeling Municipality has prohibited feeding monkeys in the town area, aiming to curb human-monkey conflicts and restore natural foraging behaviors. This new regulation includes hefty fines for violators, affecting both locals and tourists.
Key Takeaways
- Feeding monkeys in Darjeeling now incurs a fine.
- The ban aims to reduce conflicts with humans.
- Monkeys are encouraged to forage naturally.
- Local officials are concerned about rising monkey populations.
- Tourists are also held accountable for feeding wildlife.
Kolkata, Sep 6 (NationPress) The Darjeeling Municipality has enacted a firm prohibition on the feeding of monkeys throughout the town limits.
As stated by Dipen Thakuri, the Chairman of the Darjeeling Municipality, this ban carries a financial penalty.
“Anyone caught feeding monkeys, especially with their favorite food, bananas, within the town area will face a fine of Rs 5,000. This penalty applies to both locals and tourists,” Thakuri remarked.
He explained that the civic body's decision was guided by two key factors: to mitigate man-monkey conflicts and to encourage monkeys to revert to their natural behavior of foraging for food in the wild instead of relying on handouts from people.
A senior municipal official noted that the occurrence of monkeys in the town from nearby jungles was not as prevalent a few years ago.
“Only a handful of monkeys were seen in the town then. However, by feeding them, especially with bananas, both locals and tourists have inadvertently altered their habits. This has led to an increase in monkeys visiting the town during peak hours, particularly in the Mall area, which is bustling from dawn to dusk due to the abundance of food offered by visitors,” he explained.
This change has resulted in escalating conflicts, with monkeys now snatching food from people's hands and even local food vendors.
“There have been instances where people were attacked by monkeys for food. We aim to resolve this issue and ensure that monkeys return to their natural instinct of sourcing food from the wild, rather than depending on human handouts in the city. Therefore, we have implemented this ban along with a financial penalty,” Thakuri concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. The recent decision by the Darjeeling Municipality showcases an authoritative approach to addressing the growing concerns of man-monkey conflicts, reflecting a commitment to conservation and community safety.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for feeding monkeys in Darjeeling?
The fine for feeding monkeys in Darjeeling is Rs 5,000.
Why was the ban on feeding monkeys implemented?
The ban was implemented to prevent man-monkey conflicts and to encourage monkeys to revert to their natural foraging behaviors.
How has monkey behavior changed in Darjeeling?
Monkeys have increasingly frequented the town due to being fed by locals and tourists, leading to conflicts as they began to snatch food from people.
Is the ban applicable to tourists?
Yes, the ban applies to both local residents and tourists alike.
What areas in Darjeeling are most affected by monkey visits?
The Mall area is particularly affected, as it is crowded and offers plenty of food from visitors.
