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Maharashtra Doubles Payment for Humane Monkey Relocation to ₹600

The change answers rising rescue costs to speed relief for communities facing frequent incursions.

Overview

  • The Revenue and Forest Department’s Government Resolution, issued on April 22, sets ₹600 per animal for authorised rescues that safely capture and release monkeys.
  • The rules require humane methods such as nets or cages, photographic proof of each operation, and relocation to forest areas at least 10 kilometres from homes.
  • An earlier order still limits total spending per rescue case to ₹15,000, which includes transport and other logistics.
  • Officials report heavy conflict in western Maharashtra and the Konkan, with Ratnagiri logging more than 5,600 cases since 2024.
  • Wildlife wardens welcomed the higher rate, saying it supports trained responders, while the policy targets macaques and langurs whose raids often track habitat loss and easy food near people.