Monkey menace: Allahabad High Court seeks SOP action update for Ghaziabad and Mathura

The Allahabad High Court has directed Uttar Pradesh authorities to submit an affidavit detailing steps taken under the existing SOP to address the monkey menace, especially in Ghaziabad and Mathura. The court heard a PIL and noted plans for a field survey to assess rhesus macaque populations, map conflict hotspots, and recommend management measures.

The Allahabad High Court has asked state authorities to report steps taken under the existing standard operating procedure to manage the monkey menace. The court focused on districts including Ghaziabad and Mathura, where conflict has been reported. The direction came during a hearing on a public interest litigation about rising monkey-related problems.

A division bench of Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Kunal Ravi Singh passed the order on the PIL. The matter has been listed again for hearing on April 6. The court sought a clear update on what district authorities have done under the current SOP.

Allahabad High Court seeks SOP update on monkey menace

In its February 17 order, the bench said: "In view of the proposed study, which is to be undertaken, we find that the action plan which the authority has taken under the existing SOP qua districts Ghaziabad and Mathura, be firstly apprised to the high court on or before the next date fixed in the matter through an affidavit,\". Authorities must file the affidavit before the next date.

The PIL has been filed by Vineet Sharma and another resident of Ghaziabad. The petition raised concerns about a growing monkey population and more human-monkey conflict. It also flagged hunger and starvation among the animals, along with claims of inhuman conditions. Petitioners’ counsel also pointed to repeated attacks affecting residents in several districts.

Monkey menace action plan and survey under SOP

Additional Advocate General Manish Goel told the court a structured field survey is needed first. The survey would assess the population status of rhesus macaques and map conflict hotspots. Goel said the findings should guide management steps to reduce human-monkey conflict across the state.

Goel also said at least one year would be needed for a full action plan. The plan would rely on population numbers and patterns of conflict. Goel said the existing SOP, titled Instructions regarding the capture, transportation, and release of monkeys, can be used meanwhile. A proposed tentative action plan could also be applied during this period.

Animal Welfare Board of India input on monkey menace plan

The case followed earlier directions issued on January 13. On that date, the high court asked state authorities to prepare an action plan for the monkey menace. It also said the environment department may consider a tentative plan produced by the Animal Welfare Board of India while drafting the wider response.

Goel said a high-power committee has already been formed under the SOP. Goel added that the new action plan would include a detailed and exhaustive survey. Goel assured the bench that district-level authorities would take all required steps under the present SOP to control the situation.

With inputs from PTI