In Darjeeling, authorities have now introduced a strict ban on feeding monkeys in the town. The move comes after increasing concerns about the growing number of monkeys roaming the streets and causing trouble for residents and visitors alike.
Darjeeling Municipality Chairman Dipen Thakuri announced that anyone caught feeding or offering food to monkeys inside the town, including their favorite snacks like bananas, will face a penalty of Rs 5,000. This rule applies to both locals and tourists, aiming to reduce human-animal conflicts.
The main reason for this decision is to prevent more clashes between people and monkeys and to encourage the animals to return to their natural habits. Officials want the monkeys to find their food in the nearby forests and jungles, rather than coming into town in search of easy sources of food, which leads to problems.
A senior official shared that a few years ago, monkeys in Darjeeling were quite rare. Only occasional monkeys visited the town. However, when residents and tourists started feeding them, the monkeys grew bolder and more numerous. They began frequenting busy spots like the Mall area, especially during peak hours, because they knew they could get food and bananas easily.
This situation soon turned into a ‘menace’ as monkeys started snatching food from people, even attacking during encounters. Some local food shops also faced problems with cheeky monkeys grabbing snacks or bananas.
The authorities hope that by banning the feeding and imposing fines, they can help the monkeys go back to their natural ways and reduce conflicts between humans and animals. They want visitors and residents to understand the importance of not feeding wild animals, so everyone can stay safe and the monkeys can return to their natural homes in the forests outside the town.
This new rule is part of Darjeeling’s effort to protect both the town’s residents and its wildlife, creating a safer and more harmonious environment.
