G20 Summit: Langur cut-outs deployed along G20 routes to deter monkeys

livemint.com:

The Hindustan Times citing senior officials, the municipal authority intends to employ 40 skilled personnel to replicate the vocalizations of grey langurs. This strategy aims to discourage monkeys from approaching hotels and venues linked to the G20 Summit. NDMC vice chairman Satish Upadhyay noted that these temporary steps are being taken in coordination with the Delhi forest department to ensure that monkeys remain inside the Ridge and do not cause disruptions to the motorcades of dignitaries.

Also Read: Monkey men to combat macaque menace near Parliament “The langur cut-outs have been put up on an experimental basis, and we will have to see how much actual impact they have on the monkey density. We also have trained people who are experts in making sounds similar to langurs. They will be deployed at various sites across New Delhi to keep monkeys in check," Upadhyay said.

Nevertheless, specialists have raised scepticism regarding the effectiveness of these approaches and emphasized the necessity for a broader investigation to address Delhi's persistent issue with monkeys. While Delhi has never conducted an official monkey population survey, the uncontrolled expansion of their numbers has resulted in frequent occurrences of monkey attacks across different areas of the city. Also Read: Monkey takes a ride in Delhi Metro.

Video goes viral A notable incident involving a monkey attack took place in 2007, when deputy mayor SS Bajwa was assailed by monkeys. The attack led to his fall from the terrace of his residence, ultimately resulting in fatal head injuries. In response to this event, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) initiated a program of capturing and transferring monkeys to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary,