Maharashtra Launches New Strategy to Tackle Rising Human–Monkey Conflict; Certified Catchers to Get Rs 600 per Capture
Mumbai, 26th November 2025: Confronted with a sharp surge in human–monkey confrontations across the Konkan belt and several other districts, the Maharashtra Forest Department has introduced a new, structured mechanism to control aggressive monkey behaviour. The plan, recently finalised, includes offering financial incentives of Rs 600 per monkey to certified trappers tasked with safely capturing and relocating the animals.
State officials say they have been overwhelmed with complaints ranging from crop destruction and property damage to attacks on residents, prompting the need for immediate, short-term interventions. A long-term solution, however, remains stalled: Maharashtra’s proposal seeking approval for a monkey sterilisation programme—submitted to the Centre in 2023—continues to await a decision, delaying broader population control.
Under the updated protocol jointly prepared by the Forest and Revenue Departments, only trained individuals or institutions with proven rescue experience will be authorised to capture monkeys. Local councils and municipal bodies have been told to maintain a district-wise panel of these certified catchers, who will work under the supervision of Range Forest Officers.
The system mandates that every captured monkey must be documented through photographs and video recordings before the incentive is approved. All animals will be released only in designated forest areas.
Incentive Structure for Certified Catchers
₹600 per monkey for the first 10 captures
₹300 per monkey beyond the initial 10
Maximum cap: ₹10,000 per catcher
Payment mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after verification
Mandatory proof: Photos and video footage of each capture
Rescue Units to Support Operations
Divisional-level rescue teams specialising in primate and wildlife handling have also been directed to support civic bodies during high-risk or emergency situations. These teams will coordinate with local authorities to ensure safe and humane relocation.
to rely solely on capture-and-release operations, which officials admit offer only temporary relief from the Meanwhile, the state’s much-discussed proposal to introduce a monkey sterilisation programme—modelled on Himachal Pradesh’s approach—has seen no movement at the central level for nearly two years. Without approval, Maharashtra continues relying solely on capture-and-release operations, which officials admit offer only temporary relief from escalating conflict.
