The Allahabad High Court has directed to shift the monkeys who created upheaval in Varanasi city, to a suitable forest within three months.
The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and Justice Anil Kumar Ojha passed this order on Tuesday, while hearing a PIL filed by Maa Ganga Pukka Mahal Trust.
The Writ Petition contended that monkeys have created menace in the whole city, affecting every citizen of the city, apart from the tourists.
The Standing Counsel submitted that Forest Department has been requested for shifting of monkeys in the jungle/forest as per the provisions of law. A letter for it was sent on July 28, awaiting necessary permission for shifting of monkeys in a forest area.
In view of the facts given by the Standing Counsel, the Court found that action has already been initiated by the District Forest Officer to take permission of the Chief Conservator of Forest for shifting of monkeys from the city of Varanasi.
“The shifting of monkeys however, would be strictly as per the provisions of law. Proper care would be taken so that the monkeys are not in any way adversely affected in carrying the operation. Action would be taken at the earliest, and in any case not later than a period of three months,”
-noted the Bench.
The shifting of monkeys would be in an area having vegetation for their survival, so that they may not suffer in any manner in shifting from city to forest area”, the Court said, while disposing of the plea.