Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 July 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has expressed deep concern over the growing menace posed by monkeys in Great Nicobar. The unchecked monkey population, according to the MP, is wreaking havoc on agriculture and severely impacting the lives of local residents, including ex-servicemen settlers.
In a formal representation addressed to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, the Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the A&N Islands, Mr. Ray has forwarded a mass petition submitted by residents and farmers of Great Nicobar, along with a letter from the Pradhan of Laxminagar Gram Panchayat.
The MP highlighted that the escalating monkey population has resulted in large-scale destruction of coconut trees, fruit-bearing plants, and other crops. Beyond economic damage, the persistent threat has also taken a toll on the mental health and physical safety of residents, especially during routine activities like farming, accessing healthcare, or school travel.
Despite repeated appeals by locals and Panchayati Raj Institution members to the Forest Department and the Administration, no concrete steps have been taken. Mr. Ray pointed out that commitments made during District Planning Committee meetings — such as relocating monkeys to uninhabited islands and launching public awareness campaigns — remain unfulfilled.
Citing the urgent need for intervention, the MP has urged both the Central Government and the A&N Administration to act without delay. He has called for the implementation of the following measures:
– Immediate and effective control of the monkey population
– Scientific exploration of relocation strategies
– Assessment of crop damage and provision of suitable compensation to affected farmers
– Community awareness programs to promote safe human-wildlife coexistence
Stressing the gravity of the issue, Mr. Ray said the situation must be addressed with urgency to safeguard the livelihoods and well-being of the people of Great Nicobar.
