Maharashtra govt doubles rate of capturing nuisance-causing monkeys from Rs 300 to Rs 600

Kolhapur: Taking note of the repeated demands from people's representatives and to tackle the rising human-monkey conflict, Maha govt has doubled the fee for capturing nuisance-causing monkeys to Rs 600 per animal, revising the earlier rate of Rs 300, according to a new govt resolution issued on April 22, 2026.Forest department officials said the revised rate would encourage safer trapping of monkeys and bring relief to residents in urban and rural areas frequently affected by crop damage and public nuisance. Earlier, the low payment had failed to draw interest from trained trappers, even as monkeys caused extensive damage to farms and settlements."Under the scheme, monkeys belonging to the Rhesus Macaque and Gray Langur species found creating trouble in human habitations will be captured using secure nets or cages. Each capture will be officially documented with photographs or videos, and the animals will be relocated to their natural habitat at least 10 km away from human settlements," said a senior forest department official requesting anonymity.The revised fee structure is to be implemented immediately, while other existing conditions remain unchanged. However, the move has sparked debate among wildlife rescuers, who say Rs 600 may still be inadequate given the risks involved.Dhananjay Namjoshi, an animal rescuer from Kolhapur, pointed out that monkeys and langurs cause crop losses worth Rs 40-50 lakh every year, costs later borne by the forest department as compensation. "Capturing monkeys is highly risky and requires skill and experience. These animals often attack out of fear, and rescuers end up paying for medical treatment and anti-rabies injections themselves. Considering the danger and effort involved, even Rs 600 per monkey is less," he said.Wildlife experts have echoed similar concerns, calling for higher funding to ensure safer and more effective management of the monkey menace across the state.