Assam Sends Six Legislators to Himachal Pradesh to Learn Monkey Population Control Strategies A six-member delegation of Assam MLAs will travel to Himachal Pradesh to inspect its long-running monkey sterilisation initiative and evaluate solutions for human-wildlife conflict. A group of six legislators from Assam is set to travel to Himachal Pradesh to analyze the mountain state's long-standing initiatives for controlling monkey populations. The study tour focuses on evaluating sterilisation methods and operational frameworks that could be replicated in Assam to lessen human-wildlife conflict and protect vulnerable communities. Composition of the Assam Delegation According to an official notification from the Parliamentary Affairs Department of Assam, the visiting team consists of six members of the Legislative Assembly. The delegation includes Mrinal Saikia, Rupjyoti Kurmi, Dhiraj Gowala, Prakash Das, Rupesh Gowala, and Mridul Dutta. These representatives will inspect how Himachal Pradesh manages its animal control infrastructure, coordinates field operations, and addresses logistics on the ground. Legislative Background and State Concerns The decision to send lawmakers to Himachal Pradesh stems from extensive deliberations held during the most recent budget session of the Assam Assembly. Rising complaints about monkey-related disruptions prompted lawmakers to demand structured state intervention. Following those legislative debates, the Assam Forest Department convened a dedicated consultation meeting with MLAs representing constituencies that suffer heavy agricultural and residential disturbances due to monkeys. Himachal Pradesh's Sterilisation Experience Himachal Pradesh has dealt with severe human-monkey conflicts for decades and launched its formal sterilisation program in 2007. Over the course of this ongoing effort, state authorities have sterilised approximately one lakh monkeys. The program was designed to systematically limit population growth and curb aggressive encounters between primates and local residents, making Himachal Pradesh a primary reference point for other states seeking humane population control solutions. Agricultural Impacts and Future Steps in Assam Assam hosts multiple primate species across its diverse habitats, with Rhesus macaques frequently entering agricultural areas. Farmers across several districts report substantial losses as troops of macaques raid food crops, vegetables, and horticultural plantations. By studying Himachal Pradesh's methods, Assam plans to lay the groundwork for its own comprehensive sterilisation initiative as part of a long-term strategy to mitigate animal nuisance across affected districts. What this means for you This legislative study tour could lead to long-term relief for communities and farmers dealing with persistent primate disruptions in Assam. • Across India: Other states struggling with human-wildlife conflict can use Himachal Pradesh's population control model as a benchmark for humane wildlife management. Effective population control reduces overall agricultural and municipal damage nationwide. • In Assam: Adapting the sterilisation framework will directly protect local farmers whose crops and horticultural yields are repeatedly destroyed by Rhesus macaques. It offers a structured path toward safeguarding rural livelihoods and reducing property damage across impacted districts. Why this happened The delegation's visit was prompted by worsening human-wildlife friction and widespread crop destruction across multiple districts in Assam. • Budget Session Discussions: Lawmakers repeatedly raised concerns during the Assam Assembly's budget session regarding the expanding primate population and its impact on rural communities. • Rhesus Macaque Raids: Troops of Rhesus macaques have caused severe damage to agricultural crops and horticultural plantations in Assam, forcing state authorities to seek structured solutions. • Himachal Pradesh's Proven Model: Having sterilised nearly one lakh monkeys since launching its program in 2007, Himachal Pradesh offers a tested blueprint for long-term population management. Questions & Answers 1. Why are Assam MLAs visiting Himachal Pradesh? They are visiting to study Himachal Pradesh's monkey sterilisation programme and see if similar measures can be implemented in Assam to control primate populations. 2. Who are the members of the Assam delegation? The delegation comprises six MLAs: Mrinal Saikia, Rupjyoti Kurmi, Dhiraj Gowala, Prakash Das, Rupesh Gowala, and Mridul Dutta. 3. When did Himachal Pradesh start its monkey sterilisation programme? Himachal Pradesh began its sterilisation initiative in 2007. 4. How many monkeys has Himachal Pradesh sterilised so far? Himachal Pradesh has sterilised approximately one lakh monkeys since launching its program. 5. Which monkey species causes the most crop damage in Assam? Rhesus macaques are among the primary monkey species in Assam reported to cause frequent damage to agricultural and horticultural crops. https://trendkia.com/en/assam/himachal-pradesh-se-bndaron-ki-nasabndi-ka-modala-sikhenge-assam-ke-6-vidhayaka-31880 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.