Karnal: Residents seek relief from damage caused by rats
Parveen Arora
Karnal, february 11
Rats have emerged as a menace for the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) as they create a host of issues for the authorities by burrowing holes in public spaces such as parks, roads, sides of manholes of storm water and sewage pipes.
Besides, they chew electrical wires and gnaw on wooden structures. The KMC is witnessing a surge in complaints related to damage caused to roads, parks and other projects across the city.
“I constructed a road few days back, but rats have burrowed several holes, causing loss to me as I have to repair it again,” said a contractor.
In recent months, the KMC, officials said, had been grappling with this issue across urban areas, particularly near Karan Canal, parks, vacant plots and sewerage lines.
“Rats have destroyed Karna Park and other parks in the city. They have dug up these parks and made holes in newly constructed roads, causing a huge loss to the civic body,” said an official. “We are preparing an estimate of the loss caused due to rats,” the official added.
Residents have demanded that the authorities should find out a permanent solution to this problem. “Rodents are infiltrating into public spaces, residential areas and commercial establishments. They not only damage properties but also spread diseases. The municipal authorities should address these issues urgently,” said Yogesh Kamra, a local resident.
Apart from causing damage to public spaces, the surge in the rat population poses a serious threat to public health. “Rats are a carrier of various diseases, including rat-bite fever. As they move through public spaces – parks and garbage disposal areas, they leave behind a trail of contamination, heightening the risk of disease transmission. The authorities should take the issue seriously,” said Karan, a local resident.
“We are exploring options to address this menace, which has caused losses to the civic bodies,” said Abhishek Meena, Commissioner, Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC).
