In an extraordinary display of commitment to his campaign promise, a newly elected village head in Telangana has adopted a highly unconventional method to tackle a persistent simian problem. Kummari Ranjith, the sarpanch of Lingapur village in Nirmal district's Kadam mandal, has been seen roaming his village dressed in a bear costume to scare away troublesome monkeys.
From Poll Promise to Unusual Action
The monkey menace had been a severe issue in Lingapur village for the past two to three years, so much so that it became a major point of discussion during the recent local elections. Kummari Ranjith, who is backed by the BRS party, had explicitly promised voters he would address the problem if elected. After traditional methods failed, he decided to take a unique approach inspired by online research.
"We contributed 50 rupees per household and installed cages to catch the monkeys, but the method wasn't successful. We managed to catch only a few," Ranjith explained. His online search for solutions led him to the idea of using a predator's disguise. "I decided to wear a bear costume and roam around the village to provide some interim relief," he said. A video of his efforts, showing him jumping around in the costume, quickly went viral on social media platforms.
A Widespread Problem Seeking Permanent Solutions
The young sarpanch emphasized that his costume tactic is merely a temporary measure. He stressed that the state government needs to take the issue seriously, as numerous villages across Telangana are facing similar challenges. Monkey attacks have led to significant crop damage and have caused injuries to residents, creating both economic and safety concerns in rural communities.
Ranjith's experience is not isolated. Across the state, villagers and gram panchayats have been experimenting with various methods to deter monkeys. These include hiring professional animal catchers, installing more cages, and even bringing in langurs—a natural predator of smaller monkeys. Lavudya Joga Nayak from Govindaraopet in Mulugu district, which is also grappling with the menace, echoed the need for higher-level intervention. "At the village level, we are trying different methods to stop monkeys from entering habitations. But what we really need is a permanent solution, and that can only come from the government," Nayak stated.
The Call for Government Intervention
While the viral video of Sarpanch Ranjith in a bear costume has brought attention and a moment of levity, it underscores a serious and growing agricultural and public safety issue. The immediate success of his method—noting that several monkeys fled upon seeing the 'bear'—highlights the desperation of local communities. The consensus among village leaders is clear: local innovations can offer only temporary respite. A coordinated, state-wide strategy is essential to find a humane and effective permanent solution to the monkey menace, protecting both livelihoods and the well-being of residents in affected villages.
