Delegation Meets Shimla Mayor Over Monkey and Dog Menace
A delegation from the Shimla Nagarik Sabha met with Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor, Mr. Surendra Chauhan, to address the ongoing issue of monkeys and stray dogs in the city. The delegation submitted a memorandum demanding an immediate resolution to the problem. The Nagarik Sabha warned that if the issue remains unresolved, they would mobilize the citizens of Shimla to intensify their movement.
The delegation included Nagarik Sabha Co-Convenor Vijender Mehra, Jagat Ram, Summerhill Councilor Virendra Thakur, Vivek Kashyap, Dr. Rajendra Chauhan, Dr. Vijay Kaushal, Kishori Dhatwalia, Ranjeev Kuthiala, Sunil Vashishth, Rajeev Chauhan, and Ram Prakash.
Vijender Mehra, Jagat Ram, and Vivek Kashyap stated that the menace of monkeys and stray dogs in Shimla has taken a severe form, with incidents of dog and monkey attacks becoming increasingly common. Monkeys and stray dogs roam freely on Mall Road, posing a threat to the public. In recent years, several deaths and accidents have occurred due to monkey attacks, including fatal incidents in Shimla city and Dhanda.
A few months ago, a private school student fell from a significant height near Evening College on Mall Road after being attacked by monkeys, sustaining severe injuries. The student, a resident of Kaithu, had to remain in the ICU for several days and was admitted to IGMC Hospital for an extended period. Thousands of tourists visiting Shimla often fall victim to monkey attacks, with incidents of snatching becoming routine.
The delegation criticized the Shimla Municipal Corporation for its lax attitude towards the issue, pointing out that no substantial efforts have been made in recent years. A former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court had advocated for a plan to control monkeys in Shimla based on a successful model from a southern Indian city, but the corporation never implemented it.
The delegation suggested that the Municipal Corporation of Shimla should urge the state and central governments to declare monkeys as vermin and carry out scientific culling. Additionally, awareness programs should be conducted to educate the public not to feed monkeys and stray dogs or create feeding areas.
The Nagarik Sabha demanded that the upcoming Municipal Corporation meeting pass a resolution to find a concrete solution to the monkey and dog menace. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan that addresses both immediate and long-term solutions to the problem.
