Himachal Kisan Sabha rejects Govts claim of Monkey population control through sterilization

Himachalscape bureau September 28, 2024 3 minutes read

Farmers’ efforts, not Sterilization, reduced monkey numbers: Tanwar

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Sterilization a Waste of Resources amidst economic crisis, Says Kisan Sabha President

Shimla, Sept 28,

The Himachal Kisan Sabha has outrightly dismissed the state wildlife department’s claim that sterilization efforts have reduced the monkey population in the region. Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, President of the Himachal Kisan Sabha, pointed out that for sterilization to effectively control the population of any wild animal, at least 80% of the total population must be sterilized in a short period. According to the department’s own statistics, only 2% to 4% of the monkey population is sterilized annually, which is insufficient to make a significant impact.

While acknowledging the reduction in monkey numbers in certain areas, Dr. Tanwar attributed the decline to desperate measures taken by farmers themselves. In areas such as the upper regions of Sirmaur, farmers resorted to poisoning monkeys to protect their crops. In a media note he noted that, despite focused sterilization efforts in Shimla, the monkey population in the area has not seen a noticeable decline. According to Tanwar, if sterilization had been effective, there would have been a reduction in the monkey population across all districts, but this has not been the case, except in Sirmaur.

Scientific Culling is the Only Solution

Dr. Tanwar emphasized that scientific culling is the only viable solution when animal populations exceed sustainable levels in a particular area. Despite monkeys being declared vermin in Himachal, the forest department has taken no steps towards controlling their numbers through culling. The responsibility was shifted to the public, which proved impractical as farmers lacked the necessary firearms and marksmen. At the time, the Kisan Sabha had suggested the formation of trained shooter teams to conduct culling under the supervision of forest department experts. However, their proposal was ignored.

Faulty Afforestation Policy Behind Animal Intrusion into Human Settlements

Jayshiv Thakur, a state committee member of the Kisan Sabha, stated that blaming the public for wild animals intruding into human settlements is wrong. He attributed this issue to the forest department’s flawed afforestation policy. The planting of non-fruit-bearing trees has left wild animals without sufficient food in the forests, forcing them to search for food outside their natural habitat. In Himachal, the widespread growth of chir pine has destroyed underbrush and grass, further contributing to the problem. This flawed afforestation policy is not just a state issue but is seen across the country.

Dr. Tanwar has called for an independent survey and investigation into the government’s claims regarding the reduction of the monkey population.

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