A diligent laborer responsible for the daily cleaning of the sub registrar’s office revealed a concerning observation. According to the laborer, the office might be a breeding ground for rats and mosquitoes due to the accumulation of hundreds of old paper documents and files that have been stored there for decades.
In response to this issue, the Belagavi district administration has taken a decisive step. Officials announced on Saturday that they intend to engage the services of a specialized agency to address the escalating menace of rats and mosquitoes in the district collectorate office.
In response to the pressing issue of mosquito and rat infestation within the office premises, Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil has taken action by releasing a public tender notice, inviting bids from interested parties. The menace has severely impacted the staff’s ability to work efficiently, as computers often require repairs due to rat bites, resulting in damaged wires. On average, the rats cut five computer cables daily, causing significant disruptions.
The deadline for bidders to apply is set for August 7, as the administration seeks a swift resolution to the ongoing problem. While the move to engage private agencies has been described as an initiative by Congress officer bearer Ashok Pujari, he holds a different perspective. Pujari believes that simpler and more cost-effective methods could address the issue, emphasizing that involving private agencies might be an unnecessary expense of public funds.
Despite the well-structured and technologically advanced G+2 floor office, a persistent issue plagues the workplace – paper documents are continually falling prey to destructive rat bites. The employees have made numerous unsuccessful attempts to catch and eliminate the rats, leading them to seek intervention from the head of the office. Finally, a solution has been found to ensure uninterrupted work.
The administration suspects that the rats and mosquitoes may be infiltrating the deputy commissioner’s office from the neighboring district sub registrar’s office. This older office building, constructed approximately a century ago, houses the sub registrar’s operations. Recognizing the potential source of the problem, measures are being considered to address the situation effectively.
Every morning, a diligent laborer takes on the task of cleaning the sub registrar’s office, which, over the decades, has become a potential hub for rats and mosquitoes. The presence of hundreds of old paper documents and files seems to attract these pests, despite the laborer’s efforts to disinfect the office daily. Controlling the menace has proven to be quite challenging.
The Belagavi deputy commissioner’s responsibilities encompass 14 taluks, 18 assemblies, and 2 parliamentary constituencies. Geographically, this district holds the distinction of being the largest in the state. Apart from managing the storage and digitalization of documents, the office also has the crucial duty of maintaining numerous significant files.
Within the office’s premises lie an invaluable collection of historic files, dating back over 125 years to India’s freedom struggle and various significant events. Regrettably, these documents are in a fragile state, susceptible to damage even with the slightest touch. Officials speculate that these deteriorating records could be contributing to the rat and mosquito issue faced by the office.
Addressing this concern, Satish Jarkiholi, the district in charge minister and state public works department (PWD) minister, has presented a proposal to the state government. The proposal seeks to establish a dedicated district administration office complex that can safely house these important documents currently stored in the deputy commissioner’s office.
The deputy commissioner office’s surroundings have been facing additional challenges, such as waterlogging and potholes, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In response, Belagavi city corporation commissioner Ashok Dudaganti has assured the public that immediate action will be taken to fill the potholes close to the office premises, mitigating the mosquito issue.
