Even with the increase in the number of leptospirosis cases in the city this monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) lacks the manpower to kill rats that spread the disease.
Even with the increase in the number of leptospirosis cases in the city this monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) lacks the manpower to kill rats that spread the disease. This might lead to a further surge in the cases of the water-borne diseases this rainy season.
The spread of leptospirosis is more in western suburbs from Malad to Dahisar and in Central Mumbai in places like Wadala and Antop Hill. Last year, only five cases of leptospirosis were found during the months of January to May. However, the number rose to 30 this year. Leptospirosis is caused when people come in contact with water contaminated by animal urine. The bacteria are carried by various domestic and wild animals such as rats, cows and dogs. People wading through waterlogged streets have high chances of contracting the disease, if they have wounds on their feet.
The BMC’s attempts to rope in non-govermental organisations (NGOs) to carry out rat killing works in the city have not materialised so far
According to civic officials, the rat menace is rampant in Mumbai city. Besides posing health hazards to people, the rodents cause damage to household properties, utility cables, telephone lines and foundations of buildings. But due to inadequate manpower, the BMC has not been able to control the rat population in the city. Currently, there are 44 night rat-killers. There was a proposal to appoint additional 64 NRKs for 24 civic wards, but it was shelved. Instead it was decided to outsource the works to other organizations. The NGOs were to be remunerated depending on the number of rats they have killed.
