Bengaluru Plans Park for Monkeys and Peacocks to Curb Crop Damage

Monkeys might soon have a separate park for themselves far from the madding crowd if a scheme in this regard gets an official nod in Dakshina Kannada district of Bengaluru.

Along with the simians, peacocks too could have a play area of their own so that do not have to trespass into agricultural fields, only to be shooed away unceremoniously, despite these being the national bird.

Monkeys and peacocks often damage crops and there is no scheme to provide compensation in case of harm to coconuts due to animal infestation. However, if trees are destroyed, compensation is given.

These proposals are to be cleared by the state government after a recommendation from Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district M P Mullai Muhilan.

He said another proposal was regarding the support price for the areca nut crop. Farmers have sought fixing of support price for areca nut. Areca nut growers in Udupi, Chikkamgaluru and Shivamogga districts too have urged their respective district administrations to send official appeals to the government.

Another issue that came up during a meeting the farmers had with the deputy commissioner pertained to issue of simplified gun licences for protecting crops from wild animals.