Delhi Assembly Seeks Langur Call Mimickers to Manage Monkey Intrusions

Introduction to the Unique Job Opening

On Friday, officials announced that the Delhi Legislative Assembly is looking to recruit individuals skilled in mimicking the calls of langur monkeys. This initiative aims to address the ongoing issue of monkeys frequently invading the assembly grounds.

The Monkey Problem

Officials reported that numerous monkeys in the vicinity are causing disturbances. These animals are known to leap onto wires and dish antennas, leading to damage and posing risks to both security and property within the assembly complex.

Strategies for Monkey Control

This initiative follows several incidents where monkeys have entered the assembly premises, endangering the safety of MLAs, staff, and visitors. The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a tender to hire trained personnel who can effectively mimic langur calls, a method deemed both effective and humane for deterring the monkeys without causing them harm.

Additionally, experts will introduce a real langur monkey to help scare away the others. An official noted, "We had considered using langur effigies, but it appears the monkeys have lost their fear of them, often perching on top of these figures."

Deployment of Trained Personnel

The official mentioned that they had previously employed individuals who could mimic langur calls, but their contract has since lapsed. A new tender is now open to recruit trained personnel for this task.

Plans are in place to assign these trained operators to work on weekdays and Saturdays, with each shift lasting eight hours. The agency responsible will ensure that all necessary equipment is available and that safety protocols are strictly followed during operations.

Monitoring and Safety Measures

There will be performance evaluations and insurance coverage for the personnel engaged in this task. In a notable incident from 2017, a monkey had disrupted a discussion in the assembly regarding guest teachers in government schools.