Rising monkey menace in Kathalia disrupts village life, damages crops, and threatens livelihoods. Residents allege lack of Forest Department action as repeated monkey invasions impact farms, homes, and markets across Sonamura subdivision, causing growing fear and economic losses.
Life in several rural pockets has been steadily disrupted as an increasing number of monkeys continue to invade homes, farms, and marketplaces in Kathalia block under Sonamura subdivision. Residents say the situation has worsened over the past few years, with little visible intervention from authorities, leaving villagers to cope with growing losses and daily fear.
In villages located along the India–Bangladesh border in the southern belt of the block, groups of monkeys are frequently seen entering residential compounds and agricultural land in search of food. Locals report that the animals not only consume crops but also damage property, tearing through rooftops, breaking storage containers, and scattering food supplies. The problem has now extended beyond farmlands, affecting nearby markets where monkeys often raid shops and food stalls.
Farmers in Rajendratilla village under Kali Krishnanagar gram panchayat say they are among the worst affected. Many have suffered repeated crop losses, particularly of boro paddy, which serves as a major source of livelihood. According to villagers, attempts to cultivate vegetables have also failed due to constant monkey attacks. “It has become nearly impossible to protect our fields. The monkeys uproot plants and eat everything before harvest,” a farmer said, highlighting the scale of the damage.
Similar concerns have been raised in Bhabanipur, Nidaya, Dakshin Maheshpur, and Uttar Maheshpur villages. Residents across these areas say the frequency and intensity of monkey incursions have increased, making daily life more difficult. Children and elderly people are reportedly afraid to step outside alone, while shopkeepers struggle to safeguard their goods from sudden raids.
Villagers claim that despite multiple complaints to the Forest Department, no lasting solution has been implemented. Earlier, forest officials reportedly used deterrent methods to keep monkeys away from human settlements, but such measures have not been consistently applied in recent times. This has led to growing frustration among residents, who feel neglected despite repeated appeals.
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A Forest Department official acknowledged that complaints have been received and stated that the issue is currently under examination. However, no immediate action plan or preventive measures have been announced so far.
With agricultural losses mounting and safety concerns rising, villagers are urging authorities to take swift and effective steps to address the situation. Without timely intervention, residents fear the monkey menace will continue to disrupt livelihoods and further strain already vulnerable rural communities.
