Dikhyaa Mohanty 
In order to combat the increasing threat of monkeys in different areas of the state, the Odisha government has organized special teams, as Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said in the State Assembly. Answering a question from Kendrapara Ganeswar Behera, BJD MLA To address the monkey issue, Minister Singhkhuntia disclosed that anti-depredation teams had been sent to each Forest district. These groups are actively involved in displacing monkeys that disrupt human communities.
In order to frighten the animals away, Singhkhuntia also said that the squads are outfitted with ultrasonic monkey repellents. Sensitive locations now have “monkey squads” made up of seasoned members of the “Mankadia” community who are called upon to apprehend unruly monkeys. Troublesome monkeys are tranquillized and moved to far-off areas when necessary. To stop more problems, the Minister underlined that efforts are being made to inform the people about not feeding the animals.
In response to worries about the harm elephants inflict to property and crops, Singhkhuntia said that special teams are also sent to the afflicted regions to eject the pachyderms and return them to the forests. Under the “Jan Suraksha Gaj Suraksha” program, the government is also erecting solar fencing in regions where elephant invasions are common. He continued, “The program offers a 50% subsidy for individual beneficiaries and a 10% subsidy for groups.”
