The Maharashtra government has introduced a new scheme designed to mitigate the escalating conflict between humans and monkeys across the state. Under a Government Resolution issued by the Revenue and Forest Department on April 22, 2026, the state will pay ₹600 for every monkey successfully captured and relocated from residential areas.
This move follows persistent calls from public representatives to revise compensation for individuals involved in these challenging rescue operations. The scheme specifically targets species such as Rhesus macaques and Hanuman langurs, whose increasing presence in urban and semi-urban environments is largely attributed to diminishing forest cover and the easy availability of food from urban waste.
Addressing Growing Tensions and Damage
The rise in human-monkey encounters has led to a range of issues, including significant crop damage, property loss, and, in some instances, direct threats to public safety. The financial incentive aims to provide immediate relief to affected communities by encouraging the safe removal of these animals.
"The initiative seeks to balance public safety and conservation efforts," stated officials, emphasizing that all existing wildlife protection rules will remain in effect alongside the new compensation framework.
Strict Protocols for Humane Capture and Relocation
To ensure animal welfare, the government has mandated strict rules for all rescue operations:
- Monkeys must be captured using humane methods, such as nets or cages.
- Each capture operation must be thoroughly documented with photographic evidence.
- After capture, the animals will be relocated to designated forest areas located at least 10 kilometers away from human habitations, minimizing the likelihood of their return.
While this scheme offers a short-term solution, state officials acknowledge that long-term challenges, particularly habitat loss, continue to pose significant hurdles for wildlife management in the region.