Langur cutouts, slingshots to curb monkey menace ahead of President Droupadi Murmu’s Vrindavan visit

AGRA: The Mathura district administration will deploy around 30 trained personnel, equipped with langur cutouts and slingshots, at sensitive locations in Vrindavan and Govardhan to deter aggressive monkeys ahead of President Droupadi Murmu's proposed visit to Uttar Pradesh later this week, officials said Tuesday.The move follows repeated complaints of monkeys snatching belongings in crowded temple areas. "The use of langurs has shown some effectiveness in deterring monkeys," an official said, adding that wildlife protection norms prohibit their direct deployment, prompting forest teams to use cutouts instead.SSP Shlok Kumar said security has been tightened for the three-day visit starting Thursday. Key sites, including Prem Mandir, ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan and the Govardhan Parikrama route, are under enhanced surveillance with multi-layered security, traffic regulation and crowd management measures in place."The President's proposed itinerary includes visits to temples, ashrams and hospitals, along with a parikrama of Govardhan Ji. Multi-tier security measures are in place, social media is being monitored, and SP-rank officers have been deployed as in-charges at all halting points. A traffic plan has also been issued," the SSP added. Authorities said restrictions in certain areas have already been announced, with adequate police deployment planned for the visit. Municipal commissioner Jag Pravesh said civic authorities have also stepped up beautification efforts, including road repairs, painting and installations made from recycled plastic waste.