Growing monkey menace troubles Devghat locals

By Amar Raj Naharki,Tanahun, Sept. 20: Monkeys have begun causing trouble in Devghat Rural Municipality of Tanahun. As hostilities between monkeys and people intensify, the rural municipality has started seeking solutions by forming a committee to address the issue.

The rural municipality has established a Monkey Management and Study Committee in response to the increasing terror caused by monkeys, said Gauri Prasad Acharya, the Chief Administrative Officer of Devghat Rural Municipality.

The committee was formed not only to address the damages the animals caused to crops and fruits but also to save locals from their attacks. 

The nine-member committee is headed by Purna Bahadur Kunwar, Chairman of Ward No. 5 of the rural municipality. Other members of the committee include Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, a representative from the Road Division Office in Devghat, and Dinanath Neupane from  Devghat Area Development Committee.

Additionally, representatives from the Galeshwor Ashram, Harihar Sanyas Ashram and Mahesh Sanyas Ashram in Devghat are also members in the committee. 

Other members include the chief of the local police office, a representative from the Manimukundeshwari Community Development Organisation, and the head of the Livestock Branch Office in Devghat, who will serve as the member secretary of the committee.

The committee was formed after complaints were received from residents of Ward No. 5, who have been suffering from the monkey attacks. 

The executive meeting of the municipality decided to form the committee and instructed them to prepare a report with suggestions within 30 days. 

The municipality has also granted the committee the authority to invite relevant stakeholders and experts to their meetings as needed for their study.

Chairman Til Bahadur Thapa of the rural municipality said that the problem has become severe because monkeys often snatch belongings from both residents and pilgrims visiting the Devghat religious site. 

“When attempts are made to stop them, the monkeys become aggressive. An all-party committee has been formed by the municipality to find a solution to this growing issue,” he said.

Chairman Thapa further explained that the number of monkeys has significantly increased because they give birth frequently, and laws do not permit them to kill.  The overpopulation of monkeys has become a serious problem, he added.