Kathmandu. Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality of Khotang has allocated budget for the campaign to drive away monkeys. In order to provide relief to the farmers suffering from monkey menace, the municipality has allocated budget from the 15th municipal assembly to keep ‘crop caretakers’ in every ward and tole.

In the budget for the fiscal year 2083/84 presented by Deputy Mayor Bishan Rai, Rs 4.5 million has been allocated to reduce the damage caused to crops by wild animals including monkeys. Deputy Mayor Rai has allocated a budget of Rs 1.01 billion for the fiscal year 2083/84 by prioritizing agricultural production.

Mayor Tirtharaj Bhattarai said the municipality has endorsed a policy and programme to keep ‘crop watchers’ to address the monkey menace. To address the problem of monkeys, short-term and long-term plans have been put in place in coordination with the federal government and neighbouring municipalities.

The municipality will also run a ‘What do farmers need?’ programme. What do farmers need? Under the programme, technical services, improved seed distribution and integrated mobile camps will be organized at the doorsteps of farmers.

Of the 10 local levels in the district, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality, Jantedhunga Rural Municipality and Diprung Chuichumma Rural Municipality have already presented their policies and programmes on June 21. Halesi Tuwachung Municipality, the second largest local level in the district, presented its policies and programmes worth Rs 841.11 million on Tuesday.

The Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality presented its policy and programme for Rs 475.1 million on Tuesday. In the 19th assembly of the rural municipality, deputy mayor Gururaj Rai has allocated Rs 171.25 million for capital expenditure and Rs 303.8 million for recurrent expenditure.

Five local levels in the district, which have two municipalities and eight rural municipalities, are preparing to present their policies and programmes on June 26. Khotehang Rural Municipality, Sakela Rural Municipality, Rawabesi Rural Municipality, Barahapokhari Rural Municipality and Aiselukharka Rural Municipality are to present the policies and programmes on Wednesday.