THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, June 12: A seemingly harmless act of feeding monkeys has taken a wild turn in Jharkhand’s Betla National Park and the Patki stretch of NH-75, as forest officials warn of growing dependency and aggressive behaviour among the primates. Tourists and travellers, often in the spirit of kindness or amusement, are inadvertently ‘spoiling’ the local monkey population.
From Bananas to Biscuits: A Bad Habit in the Making
Visitors routinely offer snacks — from bananas to biscuits — to monkeys along the highway and within the national park, despite repeated appeals from park authorities to stop the practice. The result? Monkeys have become more demanding and, when denied, are known to bare their teeth in frustration.
“Tourists, often for a fleeting thrill, offer food to monkeys without understanding the long-term impact,” said P.K. Jena, Deputy Director (North Division) of the Palamu Tiger Reserve. “Such actions are clearly prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act and must be stopped.”
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A Daily Spectacle on NH-75
The Patki stretch of National Highway 75, connecting Daltonganj to Ranchi, has become an unofficial feeding zone. Travellers often slow down, roll down their windows, and either toss food or hand it directly to waiting monkeys — who, in return, watch the departing cars as if in grateful farewell.
Yet, not all drivers participate. Those who don’t offer treats are met with visible disappointment — even contempt — from the monkeys, whose expressions often reflect annoyance rather than affection.
Monkey Business and Mixed Priorities
What’s more troubling, say observers, is the contrast in public behaviour. “People are quick to feed monkeys for fun, but when it comes to helping stray dogs in their own neighbourhoods, many turn a blind eye,” noted one concerned tourist.
With monkeys now lingering for hours by the roadside in expectation of treats, forest officials are ramping up efforts to educate the public on the unintended consequences of such generosity.
The Bottom Line
Feeding wild animals may seem like a kind gesture, but it disturbs their natural habits and risks long-term ecological imbalance. Visitors are urged to enjoy wildlife from a distance and without snacks.
