New Delhi (Agency): The city of New Delhi is preparing for the G20 Summit, a high-profile international event scheduled for September 9-10. One unique challenge facing the organizers is the city’s growing population of monkeys, known for their troublesome behavior, including attacking and biting people. To address this issue, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the city’s Forest Department are taking special steps, including the deployment of langur mimics.
“These trained persons can mimic the voice of a langur, which is effective in scaring away monkeys,” said NDMC Vice Chairman Satish Upadhyay. “We plan to deploy one mimic at each hotel where foreign delegates will be staying, as well as at other locations where monkeys are commonly seen.” According to officials, 30-40 trained individuals who can replicate langur calls have been registered for this purpose.
Apart from human mimics, the authorities have also placed cut-outs of langurs at key areas, including Sardar Patel Marg, a location known for its high monkey activity. These cut-outs have been positioned to deter monkeys from frequenting areas that are part of the G20 Summit’s landscaping plans.
“The monkeys have already caused damage to plants and flowers that were part of the horticultural landscaping for the summit,” said a government official. Sardar Patel Marg, which connects New Delhi to the IGI airport, has been renovated with new installations like statues, fountains, and abundant greenery, specifically for the G20 Summit.
Besides the langur mimics and cut-outs, authorities are also making arrangements to provide fruits and vegetables at selected locations. This initiative aims to prevent monkeys from entering human settlements in search of food.
This is not the first time the city has tried to tackle the monkey problem. Earlier measures like using actual langurs, sterilization, and relocating the animals to wildlife sanctuaries have not proven successful, often due to opposition from animal rights activists.