In the Indian state of Telangana, monkeys are being caught en masse due to this year’s Miss World beauty pageant being held in India, the Deccan Chronicle reports.

The contenders for the title of the most beautiful woman in the world are planned to visit the Ramappa Temple and Warangal Forton Wednesday. The first is known not only for being a  UNESCO-recognized site, but also for the fact that aggressive monkeys constantly attack visitors to the temple.

In order not to spoil the beauty pageant girls' walk, officials launched an intensive campaign dubbed Operation Monkeys. Forest officials, led by district forest officer Rahul Kishan Jadav, have so far captured and relocated over 150 monkeys using special cages and expert catchers. The animals were released deep within Eturnagaram Reserve Forest.

“Efforts are being made to ensure that not a single monkey is seen during the Miss World delegates’ visit,” said Rahul Kishan. Officials even quipped that the only monkeys the contestants might encounter are the ones carved into the temple walls.

The operation has drawn praise from visitors and locals, who welcomed the transformation of Ramappa’s surroundings into a monkey-free zone.

The final of the 2025 Miss World beauty pageant will be held on May 31. Young women from 108 countries, including Armenia, will compete. Representatives from Russia and Pakistan, however, are not in the competition this year.