Feed monkeys in public, be prepared to go to jail

Next time you offer food to monkeys at public areas in the national capital think twice as it may land you in trouble. To discourage feeding of monkeys at public places, the forests and wildlife department of the Delhi government has issued a notice listing punitive action  for those who offer food to the animal.

The department said the Delhi high court has banned feeding of monkeys in public places and citizens should follow the order. The department said complaints against people found feeding monkeys at public places can be lodged with the police. If found guilty a person can be arrested. Moreover, offering food to apes would amount to contempt of court.

“No person shall feed monkeys or give them food in public areas, particularly around the Central Secretariat, Qutab area and other residential colonies where monkeys are present in large numbers,” the court had said. It said violation of the directions would amount to contempt of court.

The collection centres set up by civic agencies at Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place and Yamuna Bazar will collect food for monkeys on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and deliver it at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary for feeding monkeys, which have been trans located in the wild. 

A number of farmers reportedly said they would vote for candidates who get rid of monkeys.

Monkey menace has become a major poll issue in Himachal Pradesh. The Congress-led opposition party has blamed the ruling BJP government for not taking any action in spite of highlighting of monkey problem in their manifestos.