Now, Langur to curb monkey menace in Lucknow

The Balrampur hospital in Lucknow has engaged the services of a trainer who has brought a Langur to scare away dozens of smaller monkeys causing nuisance to its patients.

Lucknow, Sept. 17 : The Balrampur hospital in Lucknow has engaged the services of a trainer who has brought a "Langur" to scare away dozens of smaller monkeys causing nuisance to its patients.

The patients and the staff of Balrampur Hospital in Lucknow have been suffering a lot due to monkey menace in the area.

Residents say the monkeys have bitten and scratched several patients and their relatives while trying to snatch food from them.

"There are around 15-20 monkeys here. People are scared of them as they bite everyone. Some people have been admitted to the hospital with monkey bites," said Suresh Kumar, relative of a patient.

The trainer and the Langur cost the hospital rupees 9000 per month.

"These monkeys hurt the patients while trying to snatch food from them. They are a problem for us and the patients. Therefore, this arrangement has been made," said Dharmendra Yadav, doctor from the hospital.

Since the arrival of the Langur, patients say the other monkeys are scared and keep away from the hospital.

According to estimates, over the last three years, the monkey population in Uttar Pradesh has grown by 50 percent and the number is still on the rise.

Environmentalists say growing pressure on forests has led to depletion of animal habitats. The simians have been forced to migrate to cities and towns and are coming into conflict with humans.

ANI