In the last eight months, around two lakh rats were caught in the island city, while 44,305 were found in the suburbs—25,825 from the western and 18,480 from the eastern.
In order to check the rising rat population in South Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to clean house gullies in the Island City. The civic body has earmarked a budget of Rs10 lakh for this purpose.
In the last eight months, around two lakh rats were caught in the island city, while 44,305 were found in the suburbs—25,825 from the western and 18,480 from the eastern.
According to the health department, a major reason for the increasing numbers of rodents in the island city is lack of cleanliness. “Even though some areas are clean, the adjoining areas, which are not developed, have become a den for rodents. Even lanes between two buildings are often used for dumping garbage, making it a fertile ground for pests,” said a health officer.
There are 1,104 house gullies in South Mumbai.
Malbar Hill, Girgaon, Nanachawk, Mumbai Central, Grant Road are rodents’ havens as there are many old building and house gullies.
The BMC does not clean house gullies as these areas are private property. The clean-up is the responsibility of the house owner or the occupants of the particular buildings.
Now, the BMC has assigned the task of cleaning these house gullies to an NGO. The civic body cannot assign the job to private contractors since there’s a High Court stay on it.
Deputy municipal commissioner said the BMC is cleaning these house gullies since it affects health. Fifty volunteers will help in the cleaning.
This year, nearly 2.44 lakh rats were caught in the city.
The figures were two lakh and 1.94 lakh in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Since 2005, more than 11 lakh rats have been caught in the city.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}