Langur Attack at West Bengal: In a concerning episode highlighting growing human-wildlife conflict in semi-urban India, a langur monkey entered a government school in Manikpara village and attacked a teacher, prompting panic among students and staff. The incident took place at Manikpara Vivekananda Vidyapith, a co-educational school in West Midnapore district.
Langur Attack at West Bengal: The Incident
Teacher Gobardhan Bhuniya was conducting a routine classroom session when a langur suddenly leapt from a nearby banyan tree, entered the room, and attacked him. The startled teacher sustained injuries before the animal fled the premises.
Bhuniya was immediately rushed to Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, where he received treatment for bite and scratch wounds. His condition was reported to be stable.
Langur Attack at West Bengal: Background
According to forest officials and the school administration, around 10 langurs have been frequently sighted around the school premises over the past week. These monkeys are believed to have taken shelter in the large banyan tree within the school compound.
Efforts to contain the situation began earlier, with the local Forest Department placing a cage trap to capture and relocate the langurs. However, none had been caught prior to this incident.
Langur Attack at West Bengal: School Response
Following the attack, the school suspended classes temporarily and informed local authorities. Additional safety measures included:
- Restricting student access to open areas near the banyan tree
- Immediate coordination with the Forest Department
- Informing parents about the situation and urging caution
The school headmaster stated that classes would resume only after authorities confirmed the campus was safe from further wildlife intrusion.
Langur Attack at West Bengal: Forest Department Action
Forest officials have:
- Replaced the trap with a larger enclosure more suitable for capturing a troop
- Increased surveillance in and around the school
- Deployed personnel to monitor student movement during school hours
The Forest Department confirmed that they are working under the protocols laid out in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and that no harm will come to the animals. Their aim is to relocate the langurs safely to a nearby forested area.
External Reference:
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1972-53.pdf
Human–Wildlife Conflict on the Rise
Experts attribute such incidents to shrinking forest cover and the expansion of human settlements. Langurs, though typically shy, can become aggressive when:
- Their troop feels threatened
- They are displaced from natural habitats
- They associate humans with food
A number of urban areas across India have seen similar intrusions in schools, hospitals, and marketplaces.
External Reference:
IUCN Human-Wildlife Conflict Guidelines – https://www.iucn.org/resources/guidelines/human-wildlife-conflict
Preventive Recommendations
To prevent future conflicts of this nature, conservationists and administrators recommend:
- Pruning or relocating trees close to educational campuses
- Proper waste disposal to avoid attracting primates
- Educational workshops to teach students how to respond to wildlife
- Non-lethal deterrents like monkey-repelling paint or sound devices
External Reference:
National Biodiversity Authority – Urban Biodiversity Strategy http://nbaindia.org
Langur Attack at West Bengal: A Balanced Approach
The langur attack has renewed calls for sustainable coexistence. Authorities emphasize that while protecting human life is paramount, wildlife cannot be vilified for reacting to environmental pressures caused by urbanization.
The school administration, working closely with the Forest Department, expects to resolve the matter within a few days and resume full operations with renewed safety protocols.
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