DERGAON, Aug 1 - �Sterilisation and translocation are the immediate remedies for a permanent solution to monkey menace at present. Otherwise, the man-monkey conflict may lead to a serious threat to the human population.� This was stated by noted scientist Dr Padmeswra Gogoi addressing the maiden State-level convention on monkey menace organised by leading nature organisation AASHRAY at Dergaon Girls� HS School on Sunday.
At the same time, he also stressed on formation of habitats for the monkeys as a long-term measure. The convention, chaired by the president of AASHRAY, Biren Ch Saikia and inaugurated by Dergaon Municipality Board Chairman Arunav Kalita, was addressed by several experts from their respective fields.
Inaugurating the convention, the chairman opined that the programme is unique in the State and hoped that it will certainly help in solving the monkey menace practically. The objective of the convention was explained by the secretary of AASHRAY Sanjoy Kr Hazarika. He also presented the approach paper of the convention highlighting five key points, namely, formation of habitats for monkeys, sterilisation of monkeys, transplantation of monkeys, integrated crop management and mass awareness for environment.
Taking part in the convention the noted zoologist discussed in detail about the problem offering his views on the key points.
Taking part as a resource person, journalist Mubina Akhtar opined that due to our misdeeds, the man-animal conflict is increasing day by day. She also stated that the small tea gardens are a threat to the environment. She stressed on habitat formation and translocation of monkeys and urged the gathering not to feed monkeys. Veterinarian Dr Prabin Kr Neog highlighted the different issues relating to sterilisation of monkeys.
In the convention, the president of the Dergaon Chambers of Commerce, Pradip Khadaria took part as the distinguished guest while agricultural scientist Dr Bipin Khangia (AAU, Jorhat), DFO Rajib Kumar Das (Golaghat), veterinarian Dr Hemanta Barua, Associate Professor of Zoology Jugal Nath (DKD College, Dergaon), Associate Professor of Botany Dr Jogesh Bora (DKD College), ACF Prafulla Ch Lahkar and RFO Praneswar Das took part as subject experts.
Dulal Morang, Sachi Gohain, Prasenjit Khound, Chiranjit Khaitan, Panchurika Hazarika of AASHRAY were also present in the convention. After a threadbare discussion among the experts and the residents, several resolutions were adopted.
The resolution adopted include � habitats for monkeys to be formed in the areas with the help of Joint Forest Management Committees (JMFC); sterilisation of monkeys to be carried out as a short-term measure and AASHRAY was entrusted to communicate with State and Central governments for according necessary permission for sterilisation of monkeys; some troops of monkeys should be translocated to any habitat; a committee of experts to be formed to discuss the sterilisation process; local youths to be trained for capturing monkeys after getting permission; owners of big and small tea gardens to be directed by the Government to plant saplings of fruit trees around their gardens and in the unused lands as well as to maintain organic farming for the sake of environmental conservation; farmers to be trained for integrated crop management and mass awareness programmes to be accelerated.
Later, the programme ended with a vote of thanks by Sachi Gohain. It is pertinent to mention here that due to large-scale destruction of trees and increase of simian population, human-monkey conflict is on the rise in Golaghat district in general and Dergaon in particular. More than 3000 monkeys are straying in and around the greater Missamara area and Dergaon town. The monkeys damage agricultural crops, come out to residential areas and change their food habits. The affected people have demanded compensation from the Government. At present, the monkey menace has become a serious threat to the people of the areas.
