Sri Vijaya Puram, July 4: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has raised serious concern over the increasing monkey menace in Great Nicobar Island and other tribal areas which is causing severe damage to agriculture and distress among residents, including tribal communities and ex-servicemen settlers.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Home Minister of India, the Hon’ble Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of A&N Islands, Shri Ray has forwarded a mass petition received from the residents and farmers of Great Nicobar, as well as a letter from the Pradhan of Laxminagar Gram Panchayat. The MP pointed out that over the years, the monkey population has grown unchecked, leading to widespread destruction of coconut trees, fruit-bearing trees and other crops. In addition to the economic loss, the constant threat posed by monkeys has affected the mental well-being and personal safety of the islanders, especially during essential activities such as farming, visiting health facilities, and school commutes.
Despite repeated complaints by the public and PRI members to the Forest Department and the Administration, no effective measures have been taken so far. Assurances made during District Planning Committee meetings, including proposals to relocate monkeys to uninhabited islands and conduct public awareness campaigns, remain unimplemented. Given the gravity of the situation, the MP has appealed to the Central Government and the Lt. Governor for immediate intervention. He has urged the concerned authorities to (a) Implement effective preventive measures to control the monkey population (b) Explore scientific relocation strategies (c) Assess the damages caused and extend suitable compensation to the affected farmers (d) Conduct awareness drives to ensure safer coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Shri Ray emphasized that the issue, particularly impacting the tribal and farming communities, must be treated with urgency to prevent further distress and livelihood loss.