Monkey menace helpline of no use to callers

Sanjay R. Murty | NT

Bengaluru

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike had recently announced a new helpline for citizens to complain about the monkey menace and issues caused by wild animals in their localities. The toll-free helpline 1533, however, is not registering complaints from callers but merely passing on another number for them to contact.

A resident of BEL Layout in Vidyaranyapura, who contacted the helpline on Thursday, reportedly received the number of an animal rescue volunteer. “The volunteer’s organization only takes care of injured animals. Clearly, this is a no-go option,” she said.

 News Trail contacted the helpline and learnt that no complaints were being registered. Details such as the number of complaints received and areas affected were not being recorded by those in charge of the helpline. The operator gave the contact number of a volunteer and said that they would deal with the issue. The animal rescue volunteer, on the other hand, had no idea that the BBMP had been handing out his contact number to complainants

Relocating monkeys illegal

An animal-welfare activist, who wished to remain anonymous, told News Trail that no preparation was made by the BBMP or the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) before announcing the helpline. “Monkeys are scheduled mammals which cannot be handled without written permission from the Forest Department. It is a wild animal and cannot be handled like dogs or birds,” he said

“The authorities probably think that because activists are working for animals, they will do this as well,” he added. Alleging that the BBMP and KFD have been passing the buck to each other and dodging responsibility, he said that awareness and coexistence are the only long-term solutions.

“Some people feed monkeys, while some others want them relocated. Such solutions are not ecologically viable,” he said. The activist also warned against conmen who charge hefty amounts and promise to relocate the monkeys. He termed it illegal.

All animals can’t be evicted

The volunteer added that he rescues snakes, birds and other wild animals from homes, schools, etc. He also made it clear that he would avoid rescuing snakes from vacant sites, bushes and other places which are their natural habitat. “The city is expanding rapidly. They cannot be removed from their habitats. People also do not take the responsibility of keeping vacant sites clean,” he said