In a first-of-its-kind move, West Bengal’s Darjeeling Municipality has imposed a Rs 5,000 fine on anyone caught feeding monkeys in the hill town. The decision comes amid rising complaints of monkey aggression and an increase in rabies cases linked to monkey bites.
Over the years, Darjeeling’s monkeys have abandoned their natural forest-foraging habits, increasingly relying on food given by humans. Tourists, especially around Mall Road, often feed them snacks, unintentionally altering their behavior.
According to forest officials, this dependency has led to large groups of monkeys gathering in populated areas, frequently snatching food and harassing locals and visitors.
Darjeeling Municipality’s stand
Darjeeling Municipality Chairman Dipen Thakur said the penalty was made mandatory to control the worsening situation.
“If they are not fed, they will bite. The number of rabies cases has increased in Darjeeling. That is why we passed this resolution. Posters, banners and hoardings have already been put up. The fine is the same for tourists and locals,” Thakur said.
A special monitoring team will patrol popular tourist areas, especially the Mall, to enforce the rule.
Support from West Bengal Forest Department
The municipality consulted the forest department, voluntary organisations, and market committees before introducing the ban.
State Chief Forester (Wildlife) Bhaskar JV welcomed the move, “Feeding monkeys changes their eating habits, which is harmful to the animals themselves. If they do not get food, they become aggressive. The municipality’s decision is correct and we will extend our cooperation.”
Officials believe stopping the practice will gradually push monkeys back to their natural food sources in forests, reducing human-animal conflict in Darjeeling’s urban spaces.
From now on, whether a local resident, shopkeeper, or tourist, anyone caught feeding a monkey in Darjeeling will face a Rs 5,000 penalty as authorities crack down on this growing urban wildlife challenge.