Srinagar, Feb 06: Many villages in Baramulla and Ganderbal districts are facing a unique situation as monkeys make their way to residential areas, causing trouble to the residents.
Residents of many areas from the twin districts have expressed concern over monkeys entering the residential areas and damaging stored food.
Irshad Ahmad, a resident of Bella Wussan New Basti in Ganderbal said the village is close to the forest area and there are some 300 to 400 monkeys.
“The monkeys come in huge groups and enter the residential areas and damage the stored food including maize and rice. They are seen on rooftops and have created panic among the residents,” he said.
Irshad said monkeys are making their way into human habitations over the past three years. “During the summer months, they also damage the agricultural crops and fruits like apples and peaches. It is a headache for us and we often suspect crop damage by these animals,” he said.
The village has some 400 households and the monkey menace has caused a fear psychosis among the school-going children, another resident said.
He said villages like Banjar Basti, Nayi Basti, Upaar Prang and other areas have been affected by the presence of monkeys.
Similarly, monkeys are also entering residential areas in Tangmarg villages in Baramulla.
Ishfaq Ahmad, a resident of Tangmarg, said monkeys are seen in the villages of Kazipora, Ferozpora, Mayen, Drung, Nambalnar, Chontipathri, etc. “Monkeys are all around in these villages. They create problems by tearing clothes, damaging electric wires, stealing food, vegetables and many other essential commodities,” he said.
He said the population of monkeys is increasing and it is a daunting task to shoo them away as they turn violent when someone chases them. Ishfaq demanded that the wildlife authorities should take immediate measures taken to resolve the monkey menace.
Though monkeys have been sighted in the residential areas for the past many years, no case of attack has been reported so far. However, the residents fear it might happen.
Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, Rashid Naqash said they will send teams to the respective areas to ensure that the wild animals do not cause further damage. “There are many connected issues with regard to monkey menace. These complaints often pour in from Bandipora in north Kashmir and Doru Shahabad in south Kashmir areas as well,” he said. Naqash also attributed throwing food waste in open among the reasons for monkeys entering human habitations.
