Gangtok’s Monkey Menace in the making

SUBASH RAI

Monkeys, true to the fidgety characteristic attributed to them, are not naturally predisposed to remain in one place for long, at least not in the permanence one sees in their having settled down along Hurhurey Dara in Gangtok. They forage for food, and while they might do so within a particular territory, they do not hang around a particular place permanently. But when food is around in plenty, they will. And that is what happened with the monkeys along the highway and is happening now at Hurhurey Dara. 

Monkeying around at Hurhurey Dara

Text and Photographs by SONAM PALZOR BHUTIA

Been to Hurhurey Dara of late? Apart from the general dereliction of the footpath, scrumptiousness of the treats served up by hawkers and the disturbing volume of litter there, the location is also home to a troop of monkeys. And while there presence is still “cute” and pleasant in a capital town which does not otherwise see any wildlife around, it is also a development which should be addressed.