Dhankuta, May 13 -- The growing monkey menace in Nepal's hill districts has pushed one local government in Tehrathum to declare a public holiday so residents can collectively chase monkeys away from farms and settlements.

Laligurans Municipality has announced a public holiday across the municipality on May 15 to conduct a campaign against rhesus macaque monkeys, locally known as rato bandar, which have been destroying crops and vegetables.

The municipality said farmers have suffered heavy losses as monkeys continue to damage maize, potatoes, millet, fruits and vegetables. The problem has become so severe that farmers are spending nights guarding fields, while schoolchildren are skipping classes to protect crops.

In a notice undersigned...