Games organisers hire monkeys to get rid of snakes

Strange and wondrous are the ways of the sarcar. According to a report in London's Telegraph newspaper, trained langur monkeys are being deployed by organisers of the Commonwealth Games to prevent wild animals infesting sporting venues in Delhi.

The intelligent primates have been let loose to patrol stadiums and accommodation blocks to scare off other wildlife, including wild monkeys, dogs and even snakes.

This comes after a highly venomous cobra was discovered in the games village. It did not of course harm anyone - snakes are shy creatures, and even the few poisonous ones are usually harmless. But the reptile's very presence was enough to trigger a media feeding frenzy.

Snake 'handlers' from miles around the Indian capital were drafted today to patrol the athletes' village as the final preparations are made for the games. Adding to the organisers' problems are the unusually heavy rains in the capital region, which have caused flooding near the village and forced many snakes to seek refuge where they can.

The Commonwealth Games organisers have also been particularly concerned by the arrival of packs of wild monkeys, which have been creating a nuisance around the venues by stealing food and attacking humans. In fact, serious environmentalists are unanimous in agreeing that the ubiquitous langur is a menace in every nook and corner of India.

Langur monkeys are noted not for their intelligence alone, but also for their aggression, and are highly effective in deterring other animals from taking up residence.

The Commonwealth Games are due to get under way at the weekend. Te Prince of Wales jointly with President Pratibha Patil will inaugurate the games.