NEW DELHI: The 18th G20 Summit has officially started on Saturday in Delhi. World leaders and heads of state have arrived at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, the main venue. Meanwhile, there is looming concern over the increasing number of monkeys that have been stationed near the venue. In a novel attempt to thwart any possible embarrassment, the organizers have installed cutouts of Hanuman monkeys to drive away other monkeys from venues associated with the G20 summit. The organizers have also sought service from people who mimick the chatter of the hanuman monkey (Gray Langur).

'This trouble was invited' as per reports from many residents. Pragati Maidan and the area nearby are dens for monkeys. It was exactly this spot that was zeroed in by the organizers for the G20 summit and hence the menace. The organizers are giving extra care to monitor the proceedings and stop the animals from turning ferocious.

Earlier, complaints were received that monkeys used to harass people and steal things, especially from these places. This cutout technique is to prevent the monkeys from bothering delegates, including those from abroad, for the summit. Cutouts have been erected at many places in the city. This method was also tried during the Commonwealth Games in 2010.