Jammu, Feb 1: Highway maintenance workers from a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) contracting agency rescued and fed a group of monkeys stranded by heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir’s Patnitop area, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The incident occurred on Friday during a routine inspection of the Nashri–Patnitop–Chenani stretch along National Highway 44. Videos of the rescue effort have been widely shared online since then.
NHAI officials said SRM contractors spotted several monkeys trapped along the snow-covered roadside and adjacent forest areas. Deep snow accumulation had severely restricted their movement and blocked access to food and shelter.
“Recognising the immediate risk to both wildlife and road safety, the contractor team promptly organised a rescue and feeding operation,” an NHAI official stated.
The team assessed the site to ensure safe access without disrupting traffic flow, then arranged suitable food items at designated spots while maintaining a safe distance to avoid distressing the animals.
The monkeys began eating almost immediately, indicating severe hunger and stress before the intervention, the official noted. The timely action also prevented the animals from venturing onto the highway in search of food, averting potential accidents.
At least one video shows a worker guiding the monkeys to a safer location away from the highway.
