Monkey Mayhem in Narowal: Residents Panic Amid Wildlife Crisis

Five wild monkeys have terrorized Narowal, Punjab, forcing residents indoors and leaving them in a state of panic. Despite numerous calls to wildlife authorities, no action has been taken, exacerbating fears and highlighting the broader issue of wildlife displacement due to flooding.

Since August 26, five wild monkeys have caused widespread panic in Narowal, Punjab, forcing residents in various neighborhoods to stay indoors, Dawn reported. The monkeys have been seen leaping across rooftops and wandering through areas such as Usmanganj, Loharan, Farooq Ganj, Afzalpura, and near the Pakistan Foundation School.

Locals Khwaja Muhammad Arshad and Tariq Mahmood reported that the monkeys' presence has created significant alarm. Despite numerous calls to the wildlife department for help in capturing the animals, no action has been taken. The situation has become so dire that women are now keeping their children indoors due to fear of an attack. According to Dawn News, another resident, Rizwan Butt, mentioned that the monkeys have caused damage to items left on rooftops, further adding to the anxiety. This incident comes after a recent attack in Zafarwal, where a resident was seriously injured by a monkey.

Some locals, including Asim Bashir, believe that these monkeys might have been displaced by recent floods in the River Ravi and nearby rainwater drains. The heavy monsoon rains likely forced the monkeys out of their natural habitats, leading to their sudden appearance in urban areas, reported Dawn News.

Rescue 1122 confirmed receiving calls about the monkeys but stated that the animals disappeared onto the roofs of closed houses before rescue teams arrived. Deputy Commissioner Syed Hasan Raza said that the rescue teams responded promptly and added that the relevant department has been alerted to capture the monkeys.

The ongoing presence of these monkeys underscores a broader issue of wildlife displacement due to environmental changes. Flooding, a recurring problem in the region, often forces animals to seek refuge in human-populated areas, leading to such incidents, Dawn reported. The lack of a swift response from wildlife authorities has exacerbated the situation, leaving residents feeling vulnerable.

As the situation remains unresolved, the residents of Narowal are urgently calling on the chief minister to take immediate action. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for better wildlife management and proactive measures to handle environmental challenges in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)