Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik proposes sterilisation centres for monkeys and langurs to curb crop damage in Konkan | File Photo
Navi Mumbai: In response to growing concerns over wild animals destroying crops and entering villages in the Konkan region, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced that the state government is considering setting up sterilization centers for monkeys and langurs in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts.
The announcement came following a high-level meeting chaired by Minister Naik to address the rising incidents of monkey, langur, and wild boar intrusions in agricultural areas—particularly in Dapoli taluka, Ratnagiri.
The meeting was attended by senior forest officials including Additional Chief Secretary Milind Mhaiskar, Deputy Secretary Vivek Hosing, Regional Chief Conservator R.M. Ramanujam, and Divisional Forest Officer Girija Desai.
Stakeholders such as Vinayak Mahajan from Dapoli Gramodyog Farmers Producer Company, journalist Milind Limaye, and wildlife researcher Santosh Mahajan were also present, while Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shomita Biswas and Additional PCCF Naresh Zurmure joined virtually.
Farmers reported that monkeys and langurs are not only damaging fruit orchards and paddy fields but have also started entering homes, creating panic in several villages. Wildlife researcher Santosh Mahajan noted a sharp rise in the monkey population across the Konkan region, which has intensified the issue.
Minister Naik emphasized that post-damage compensation is not a sustainable solution, and called for preventive, long-term strategies. He assured that adequate funding will be provided to implement such measures and curb wildlife-related agricultural losses.
Meanwhile activists have stated that the govt can go for it if the problem really causes monkey- human conflict.” It’s a challenging process but one way of checking abnormal growth of the monkey population. Also, one has to devise ways to protect crops too.I request the forest department to take expert advise before experimenting with any idea,” said B N Kumar, NatConnect Foundation.
Even forest officials were sceptical of the process but stated that with proper research and studies it might be possible. ” This will require extensive research on the number of monkey populations. It will also involve a team of experts to catch the wild animals. Whether it is workable is a question to be asked later but the kind of research that will be needed will be huge so the cost factor is going to be a matter,” said a senior forest officer.
In addition to sterilization centers, the minister addressed concerns about wild boars, which continue to wreak havoc on farms. He suggested that farmers be allowed to take legal preventive measures. He also directed the Ratnagiri District Collector to reinstate firearm licenses that had previously been granted to farmers for crop protection but were later suspended.
Farmers have also demanded faster compensation disbursals and urged the inclusion of sambar deer-related damages under the crop damage compensation scheme.
