April 30, Tehrathum – The Laligurans Municipality in Tehrathum has decided to declare a public holiday on May 15 to carry out monkey control efforts. According to the municipality, controlling monkeys requires the involvement of many people, making a public holiday necessary. In a notice issued by Mayor Arjun Mabohang, it was stated, “Due to the need for a large number of personnel to chase away the monkeys, a public holiday has been declared on Friday, May 15, suspending all non-essential services.”
Mayor Mabohang explained that although the monkey problem appears limited on the surface, it has significantly impacted the farming community. Farmers must guard their fields and crops day and night to protect them from monkeys, preventing some children from attending school. In response, Laligurans Municipality has launched a program to reduce damage caused by monkeys in agriculture, funded through the approved budget for the fiscal year 2082/083.
The municipality has deployed monkey watchers with temporary structures in areas including Megha Pucchar of Ward No. 8, Sangamsthal Nageshwari of Wards No. 6 and 8, and Sinthapa Pucchar of Ward No. 5. The monkey problem is especially severe in settlements near the forest. While a long-term national-level solution is required, Mayor Mabohang noted that the local government has started efforts using its own resources to provide relief to farmers immediately. Devendra Khadka, ward chairperson and spokesperson of Laligurans Municipality Ward 7, announced that a special campaign titled “Chasing Monkeys and Marking Municipality Boundaries” will be conducted on May 15 and 16. Farmers, local representatives, employees, and citizens have been called upon to actively participate in the monkey control drive and protect agricultural lands.
