The Nilgiris : The tourists at Ooty's botanical garden have raised complaints to the administrative office in the garden to initiate steps to protect them from monkey menace.
The Nilgiris : The tourists at Ooty's botanical garden have raised complaints to the administrative office in the garden to initiate steps to protect them from monkey menace.
Ooty's botanical garden is one of the most-sought tourist destinations in the Nilgiris. Over 7000 tourists throng the garden every day to enjoy the salubrious climate and the lush green landscape. However, recently the tourists at the garden are at unease due to the increasing menace caused by the monkeys.
The population of monkeys has increased multifold due to the abundant availability of food inside the garden. The monkeys empty the trash cans and many times even grab food from the tourists.
Instances of monkeys grabbing hand bags, cell phones, toys, water bottles and food plates from the tourists have increased in the recent times.
"Unlike other animals, controlling monkeys are quiet challenging. The open trash cans are the main source for food for the monkeys at the garden. Hence, the authorities should replace all open bins with closed bins. Scarcity of food will drive the monkeys out of the garden", suggested a daily wage worker from the garden.
"Monkeys have always been a part of the garden's ecosystem. But off late, their aggressive behaviour has become a cause of concern. Tourists complain about attacks by monkeys on the lookout for food", noted a gardening department staff.
"We will be launching a drive soon to chase the monkeys. We have also advised the tourists not to feed the monkeys", said an official.