Himachal sterilizes monkeys

Himachal Pradesh sterilizes monkeys to check their population

Shimla: The unrestricted growth of simian population in Shimla has forced the authorities to step- in, to control its numbers. The forest department of Himachal Pradesh has deployed a team of doctors to sterilize monkeys as a measure to bring down their growing population. Till now the department has sterilized around 5,000 monkeys and is targeting to sterilize 75,000 monkeys in next 2-3 years. "This year we are targeting to sterilize 20,000 monkeys. Next year we will target to sterilize 25,000 monkeys. We believe that in next 2-3 years, we will be able to sterilize around 75,000 monkeys. It will bring a meaningful difference if we achieve this target," said J.P Nadda, Forest Minister, Himachal Pradesh. The department is adopting laser therapy to sterilize monkeys, which they consider to be more effective than other techniques available for sterilization. Authorities have strictly banned feeding of the brown, rhesus monkeys - a favourite pastime of most tourists. "In zoos of Germany and some other European countries, the sterilization process involves placing a chip in monkeys. The chip has to be placed every three years. There are some other techniques for sterilization too but they are effective for short term. Our sterilization method is for life long," said Dr. Sandeep, an expert in monkey sterilization. Worshipped by Hindu faithfulls across India as the incarnation of monkey-faced god "Hanuman", the simians are highly revered, but have in most areas turned out to be a nuisance.
-June 27, 2009

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