BBMP spends Rs 2 lakh to trap just 20 rats in six months

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangalore, July 11, 2014: At almost Rs 10,000 per rat, the BBMP has probably paid the steepest price to its ’Piper’ (companies chosen through e-procurement) to get rid of pesky rodents. Armed with an RTI reply, Yediyur corporator N R Ramesh stunned the BBMP Council when he said the Palike had spent Rs 2 lakh in six months to catch rats at the Palike head office in NR square and IPP building in Malleswaram. And in six months, they managed to trap only 20 rats.

The tender was awarded to three companies and Rs 2 lakh was paid in several installments under ’Mooshika Nirvahane’ plan.

Two years ago, BBMP began renovating offices in the administration section and office of chief accounts officer. Ramesh said he found out the renovation began after employees found a dead rat in one of the cupboards. He also found out that the Palike had spent Rs 16,000 for a cabin worth Rs 8,000. This prompted him to file an RTI to know how much the BBMP had spent in six months.