Phuentshogling residents in Chhukha are grappling with a growing monkey menace. Monkeys are frequently entering neighbourhoods and residential homes, not only in areas adjoining the town but even within the main town area, causing inconvenience and raising safety concerns.
This incident occurred in the core town area, where a monkey was seen attempting to enter a shop before being chased away by a passerby. The animal later climbed onto the shop’s roof, where it was seen chewing and playing with an electrical wire, raising serious safety concerns.
Monkeys entering shops, offices and residential homes have become a common sight in Phuentshogling town and its adjoining areas. Residents say the animals not only create a mess inside homes but also pose significant risks to people and property.
Pema Yangchen,a resident said, “Monkeys visit our area almost every time. I have a baby and it is scary as monkeys even get inside our home. Just recently, monkeys opened the windows of my house, and got inside. They ate edible items and made a mess of my house.”
Dawa Penjor, another resident said, “People throw waste wherever they want. They do not take care of their trash and get offended when we remind them. I feel wastes is the main reason why monkeys enter residential areas. They open the windows to get in, eat every edible item, and create havoc in homes.”
The Phuentshogling Thromde states that no official complaints have been received so far regarding the issue.
Meanwhile, residents say they have raised the matter informally with forest officials, though no written complaints have been lodged.
Sources add that forest officials sometimes respond to such situations through phone calls and occasional visits, but little action can be taken. As sightings continue to increase even in the core town area, residents fear the problem could escalate into a serious safety hazard if timely intervention is not made.
Kinley Dem
