PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Municipal Corporation of Haridwar (MCH) has captured over 100 monkeys in the past five days as part of their ongoing drive to address the growing monkey population in the city. Officials said that the drive aims to reduce disturbances caused by monkeys in residential areas and public spaces. According to MCH officials, more than 70 monkeys were captured in the weekend and released at safe locations. The operation forms part of a larger campaign that has been ongoing in the municipal area. They said that the teams continue to work daily to capture monkeys and relocate them in a lawful and safe manner. In addition to monkeys, the MCH has been conducting efforts to manage stray cattle in the city. Recently, officials captured 14 stray cattle from the Rodi Bel Wala area and sent them to Sheetla Gau Seva Sadan Trust for care and protection. The Haridwar mayor Kiran Jaisal stated that the municipal corporation will continue its efforts to create a safer and cleaner environment for residents. She also requested citizens to cooperate by avoiding feeding monkeys or stray animals on roads and by reporting any issues to the municipal control room. She said that the drive began after repeated complaints from residents and ward councillors regarding monkeys entering homes, taking food items, and causing disruptions in public areas. She said that all measures in the operation follow legal and humane procedures, with the objective of reducing human–monkey conflicts that have caused ongoing inconvenience in several parts of the city. She stated that the operation will continue at full scale and teams will remain active in multiple areas to ensure both public safety and the proper handling of captured animals.
