Recently, it was reported that rats are swarming Navi Mumbai again. Hundreds of them are reported to be seen in open spaces and around garbage spots.
Complaints have been pouring in from residents from housing colonies and apartments over the increasing menace of rats
In the last ten years, the BMC spent nearly Rs 17 crore in tackling this menace. In the present budget of 22-23, a provision of Rs 3.40 crore has been made.
The civic body has set up cages, covered holes and used pills to kill the rats. But despite these measures, there is no end in sight and the problem is increasing every year.
Officials linked the menace of rats to the disturbed balance of nature. It may be recalled that some years back there was a rise in snakes in Mumbai. On other occasions, leopard attacks were also common.
Officials said deforestation, depleting water resources and food scarcity forces such animals to enter the city. All of these events indicate that the balance of nature has been disturbed.
