Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao holds a copy of 'The Goan Everyday', pointing to a recent report on the monkey menace in the village.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
MAPUSA
The Goa Legislative Assembly on Friday witnessed a lively yet serious discussion on an unusual but pressing issue – the growing menace of monkeys in Cuncolim and nearby villages.
Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Leader of Opposition and Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao drew the House’s attention to the increasing number of complaints from residents whose rooftops and home gardens are being damaged by marauding monkeys.
“This problem is becoming alarming. Gangs of monkeys jump on rooftops and damage roof tiles. They also ransack fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens, causing significant losses to residents,” Alemao said.
He cited a recent news report published in The Goan highlighting the plight of residents who have resorted to installing fishing nets on their rooftops as a desperate measure of protection.
Alemao pointed out that the problem is not limited to Cuncolim alone.
“This menace has spread to neighbouring villages like Assolna, Velim, Chinchinim, and even areas in Ponda taluka are reporting similar damage in residential zones,” he said, calling on the Forest Department to take immediate steps to control the monkey population and mitigate the damage being caused.
The issue, while serious, also gave rise to some light-hearted moments in the House.
In a jest-laden remark, Alemao made a tongue-in-cheek reference to "monkeys in the House," an apparent dig at former Congress MLAs who defected to the BJP after the 2022 Assembly elections.
His remark sparked a ripple of amusement among members.
Adding to the humour, Goa Forward Party president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai also joined the repartee, commenting on the “jumping monkeys” both inside and outside the Assembly.
However, the tone quickly returned to the gravity of the issue, with legislators acknowledging the genuine concerns of residents affected by the monkey intrusion.
