Plan of the apes: Security staff deploy langurs

NEW DELHI (AP): Security officials at the Commonwealth Games aren't monkeying around anymore, deploying langurs at several venues in New Delhi to keep smaller simians from causing any trouble.

Langurs are a common type of monkey in south Asia, and because they are large and fierce, they are often used in India to keep other monkeys in check in public places.

The New Delhi Municipal Council said it will put 10 langurs on duty outside several venues starting Wednesday, but that number will increase in the days leading up to Sunday's opening ceremony.

"The additional langurs will take care of the games' venues and other important areas," the council told the Press Trust of India news agency.

Spotting monkeys in Delhi is not uncommon. The animals roam through buildings throughout city, often causing havoc as they scamper through hospitals and government offices.

In 2007, the deputy mayor of New Delhi was killed when he fell from his balcony during an attack by wild monkeys, while 25 other people were wounded when a monkey went on a rampage in the city.

other animal-related issues

The 19th edition of the Commonwealth Games, only the second to be held is Asia after Kuala Lumpur in 1998, has also seen its share of other animal-related issues, among other more serious problems already facing organisers. Beside the stray dogs that run rampant on the streets, a 4-foot cobra was found at the tennis venue and another snake was caught in a room at the athletes' village.

Sacred cows also roam unimpeded in the capital city.

Security remains a high priority in New Delhi with thousands of heavily armed police and military personnel scattered throughout the city.

"To me, it's great. It's what we want at every games," England women's field hockey captain Kate Walsh said. "It's definitely reassuring. I'm sure for all the girls, it's the same."