Allahabad High Court Seeks Update on Measures to Manage Monkey Menace in UP

The Allahabad High Court has directed Uttar Pradesh authorities to submit an affidavit detailing actions taken under the existing standard operating procedure (SOP) to address the rising monkey population and related human-monkey conflicts, particularly in Ghaziabad and Mathura. The court noted plans for a systematic field survey to assess rhesus macaque populations, identify conflict hotspots, and develop management strategies. Authorities indicated that preparing a comprehensive action plan may take up to a year, with interim reliance on the current SOP. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 6.