Mayor Gyan Bahadur Gurung informed that the municipality has initially appointed and mobilized two men as 'monkey watchers'.
Following increasing damage to crops, Pakhribas Municipality in Dhankuta has deployed daily wage workers to control monkeys.
Mayor Gyan Bahadur Gurung informed that the municipality has initially appointed and mobilized two men as 'monkey watchers'. He said that they were provided with rubber boots, torches, slingshots and sticks and were mobilized for patrolling.
According to him, if the locals are bothered by monkeys and other wild animals, they should inform the concerned ward chairperson. Arrangements have been made to mobilize the watchers through the ward chairperson.
There are 10 wards in Pakhribas. 'They tease us about the lack of manpower, but now we have started this as a trial. If it is effective, we will add manpower,' said Mayor Gurung.
The municipality came up with this tactic after farmers complained that monkeys have been causing great damage to corn, potato, vegetable and fruit farming in recent times. 'Farmers who are busy with work do not have time to worry about monkeys all day long. Farming is the main source of income for farmers,' said Gurung. 'That is why immediate steps have to be taken to protect the crops.'
The municipality will patrol with farmers during the times when monkeys are most active. The municipality has stated that the watchers should also inform the farmers by doing monkey reconnaissance. The watchers will whistle, beat tin pots and drums, and use slingshots. The municipality has also stated that technical advice has been given to install nets and fences in some places.
