Residents in Ranikhet, Chilianaula and surrounding rural areas of Almora district are reporting increasing trouble from monkeys. Groups are entering homes, taking food and beverages, and creating fear in markets and along roads by lunging at people.

Women, children and older residents are said to be facing the greatest difficulty. Residents say they are now reluctant to leave doors and windows open because monkeys may enter homes without warning.

Damage in residential and rural areas

The problem is also affecting villages around the 2 urban areas. Monkeys are damaging agricultural fields and fruit-bearing trees, adding to concerns among residents who depend on these areas.

Local residents, including Madan Kuwarbi, Rohit Sharma, Sunder Kuwarbi, Satish Negi, Naveen, Kamlesh Bora, Ashish Pandey and Kamal Aswal, have sought early action from the Forest Department and the administration. They have demanded a campaign to address the issue and find a lasting solution.

Correspondence has already taken place with the Forest Department regarding the monkey problem. The department has informed the municipality that the cost of capturing each monkey would be 1100 rupees.

Municipality and Forest Department coordination

Chilianaula municipal chairperson Arun Rawat said the municipality is working to coordinate with the Forest Department and is trying to resolve the problem. The municipality has also indicated that meaningful action will be taken soon in view of residents’ concerns.

Ranikhet ranger Tapas Mishra said action would be taken shortly. The available information does not specify the date, scale or operational details of any capture campaign.

Residents are therefore awaiting the next official step from the municipality and the Forest Department. Until then, the reported monkey activity continues to affect homes, public routes, markets, farmland and fruit trees across the area.

Conclusion

Residents of Ranikhet, Chilianaula and nearby villages have requested prompt action over monkeys entering homes, threatening people and damaging crops. The municipality is coordinating with the Forest Department, which has cited a cost of 1100 rupees for capturing each monkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which areas are reporting the monkey problem?

Ranikhet, Chilianaula and surrounding rural areas are reporting the problem.

Q. What are the monkeys doing?

Residents say groups are entering homes, taking food and beverages, lunging at people, and damaging fields and fruit trees.

Q. Who is reportedly most affected?

Women, children and older residents are said to be facing the greatest difficulty.

Q. How much has the Forest Department cited for capturing each monkey?

The Forest Department has cited a cost of 1100 rupees for capturing each monkey.

Q. What action are residents seeking?

Residents want the Forest Department and administration to conduct a campaign and address the problem through a lasting solution.