In a unique and somewhat unconventional move, the Delhi Legislative Assembly is planning to recruit people who can imitate the calls of langur monkeys as part of a strategy to address the ongoing “monkey menace” at the Vidhan Sabha complex. According to officials, this specialised role is intended to scare away rhesus macaque monkeys that frequently invade the assembly premises, causing disruption and risking safety for lawmakers, staff, and visitors.

Monkeys have long been a challenge in and around several areas of delhi, including office complexes, parks, and government buildings. Within the assembly complex, dozens of monkeys have been seen jumping on wires, attacking antennas, and even venturing into restricted areas, prompting authorities to seek humane and effective solutions. Previously used langur cutouts and other deterrents were unsuccessful, as monkeys quickly adapted and ignored these measures.

To manage this situation, the Public Works Department (PWD) has floated a tender for “monkey control services,” offering a contract worth approximately ₹17.5 lakh. Under the terms, the assembly plans to deploy trained personnel who can mimic langur calls—a natural predator sound that rhesus monkeys traditionally fear. These individuals will work eight-hour shifts on weekdays and Saturdays, helping to keep the complex free from disruptive simian activity.

The plan emphasises humane and non-harmful methods, avoiding direct confrontation with the animals and instead relying on behavioural responses. Tender guidelines state that performance will be monitored closely; if a hired mimic fails to deliver convincing langur sounds or does not perform effectively, they may be removed from the contract. Absenteeism or poor performance could lead to penalties.

This idea of using langur sound mimicry is rooted in the natural dynamics between langur monkeys and rhesus macaques: langurs are larger and often dominate smaller rhesus groups. Although the use of live langurs in such roles was banned in 2012 by the Environment Ministry to protect wildlife, authorities have found that human mimicry of langur calls can sometimes still prompt smaller monkeys to leave an area without harm.

While the initiative sounds unconventional, it is part of a growing effort to balance wildlife management with humane practices in urban spaces. Officials hope that this strategy — combining mimicry experts with environmental understanding — will allow assembly sessions and administrative work to continue without unexpected simian interruptions

 

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