Ratnagiri: In a bid to curb the growing menace of wild animals damaging agricultural produce in the Konkan region, the Maharashtra government is actively considering the establishment of sterilisation centres for monkeys and langurs in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. The announcement was made by State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik following a high-level meeting with officials and local representatives.
Farmers from Dapoli taluka in Ratnagiri district have been grappling with increased intrusions from wild animals, particularly monkeys, langurs and wild boars, that not only ravage fruit orchards and paddy fields but have also begun venturing into residential areas. Highlighting the gravity of the issue, wildlife researcher Santosh Mahajan pointed out a significant rise in the monkey population across Konkan.
During the meeting, Forest Minister Naik emphasized that simply offering compensation after crop destruction is not a sustainable solution. “We need long-term preventive strategies,” he stated, affirming that financial constraints will not hinder efforts to implement lasting solutions. The proposed sterilization centers aim to humanely control the growing monkey and langur populations that are contributing to extensive agricultural losses.
Key Officials & Stakeholders Attend Meeting
The meeting was chaired by Minister Naik and attended by key stakeholders, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department Milind Mhaiskar, Deputy Secretary Vivek Hosing, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (Kolhapur) R.M. Ramanujam, Divisional Forest Officer Girija Desai and Director of the Dapoli Gramodyog Farmers Producer Company, Vinayak Mahajan. Senior forest officials Shomita Biswas and Naresh Zurmure also participated virtually.
Wild Boars Causing Damage To Crops
Another major concern raised was the recurring damage caused by wild boars. Minister Naik suggested exploring legal provisions that would allow farmers to protect their crops using permitted measures. Previously issued firearm licenses to farmers for crop protection have been suspended, but Naik directed the Ratnagiri District Collector to reinstate these licenses within the legal framework.
In addition to long-term animal control measures, farmers demanded quicker disbursement of compensation for wildlife-related crop damage. Mahajan also urged the government to include sambar deer-related destruction under the official compensation policy.
The Forest Department has assured that all feasible steps will be taken to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers in the Konkan region from escalating wildlife threats.
