Kolkata, the vibrant and culturally rich capital of West Bengal, is grappling with an unexpected urban challenge – a rat menace that threatens the city’s infrastructure, public health, and daily life. With an estimated population of 30,000 to 40,000 rats within its boundaries, the city faces a persistent issue that demands immediate attention. Rats, notorious for their ability to multiply rapidly and adapt to urban environments, have caused considerable damage to the city’s roads, underground infrastructure, and more.

Kolkata’s rat problem is not limited to its crowded streets or slums; it has infiltrated all corners of the city, from the colonial-era buildings of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to the bustling markets and residential lanes. The rodents, driven by their relentless need for shelter and food, have dug through concrete flyover bases, gnawed at underground sewerage and cable lines, and damaged the foundations of houses. The Amherst Street and Baithakkhana market area, in particular, has borne the brunt of this rodent infestation.

One of the contributing factors to the rat problem in Kolkata is the inadequate garbage disposal system. Waste strewn haphazardly on streets and pavements provides an abundant food source for these rodents. While the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s solid waste management department works tirelessly to remove waste, it is essential for residents and business owners to refrain from littering streets and pavements.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation,  people of Kolkata have started to pay attention  to the looming menace lurking beneath Kolkata’s vibrant surface. The city’s health department, in collaboration with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, aims to raise awareness among residents about the need to control the rat population. Rodents are not only causing structural damage to roads but are also undermining the underground drainage system.

The increasing rodent population poses a significant threat to Kolkata’s infrastructure. Rats have dug tunnels beneath footpaths and roads, displacing soil and causing undulations on surfaces. The consequences are not limited to uneven pavements; they extend to the integrity of underground pipes and drainage systems. Moreover, the presence of rats poses a public health risk, as it could lead to the outbreak of diseases.Government of West Bengal  made a fervent plea for the community to play an active role in combating the rat menace.  

The rat menace in Kolkata is not merely a nuisance; it’s a multifaceted problem that requires immediate attention. Addressing this issue demands a collective effort from both the authorities and the community. By raising awareness, improving waste management, and taking preventive measures, Kolkata can gradually free itself from the clutches of rodents and preserve its rich cultural heritage and vibrant urban life.

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