Stakeholders set to discuss human-monkey conflict

In a bid to find an acceptable solution for the burning problem of human-monkey conflict in Himachal and its impact on agricultural crops,all stakeholders are expected to hold joint consultations in Shimla,on Saturday.

The first ever initiative of the state wildlife department to invite farmers,wildlife experts and conservation activists on a common platform comes after the High Court’s interim decision to ban issuing of licenses,under provision of Wildlife Protection Act,for killing monkeys that were causing destruction of crops. In its January 2011 decision,the High Court of Himachal Pradesh had asked the forest department to find a harmless solution to the problem of monkey menace on crops and find alternative methods like air guns for warding off animals.

The state wildlife department has high stakes riding on the first round of joint consultations as the farmers’ group Kheti Bachao Sangharsh Samiti,that led a mass campaign for crop protection,and animal rights activists have been demanding such an opportunity,mediated by a government agency.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest AK Gulati said,“The joint consultation workshop on human-monkey conflict is being held on February 5 and we hope to take a step forward in finding innovative ways of handling the problem”. Representatives of tvarious departments have also been invited for the day long discussions.