32
admitted in the resolution that the figure mentioned therein is very
conservative as compared with the estimate "based on far more reliable
data for England (i.e., Boelter's statistics).
35. The evidence therefore' proves fairly conclusively that the econo-
mic loss caused annually by rats in India amounts' to the colossal sum.
of Us. 4 per head of the population, or something over Us. 16 crores for
the Presidency of Madras.
36. Precautionary measures must, however, remain defective if
attention is not also directed to the methods of storing grain in private
houses. In houses where cattle are kept, rats find congenial conditions,
and if the floors are of mud, it is practically impossible to keep them
out. In many parts of the Presidency the type of grain-bin used for
the storage of grain for household purposes is also a direct attraction to
rats, and it must be left to local district health committees to carry out
experiments with improved types in order to minimize the danger which
these private stores now constitute. Different communities and different
districts use different types of bin and different methods of storage, and
local ofiicers are best able to advise as to possible improvements. It
would be impossible to devise a type-design suitable for use throughout
the Presidency. Such a type might suit some districts, it would
certainly be quite unsuitable for other areas. All construction of grain
stores by private individuals should be carried oat in accordance with
approved types and should be inspected before licences are granted.
The conversion of existing granaries into rat-proof or rat-free stores should
also be carried out on lines approved by the local health authorities.
37. (c) Conservancy.—The importance of improved conservancy has
already been remarked upon, and there seems little doubt that in order
to keep streets and lanes in better condition, a more progressive policy
on the part of municipal and other local bodies in the construction of
properly designed open and closed drains is urgently called for. Local
knowledge is the best guide to the selection of those areas which should
receive early attention, but generally speaking, the overcrowded bazaars
• and the areas which are known to be foci for the spread of plague should
be first selected. The local or municipal council, with the advice of the
municipal or district health officer, should draw up a preliminary pro-
gramme and proceed with the necessary construction as funds permit.
By carrying out the programme in small sections, financial resources
will not be unduly strained, steady improvement will be effected, and
"the benefits accruing will give the incentive to extend preliminary and
partial schemes into complete drainage systems.
38. The disposal of filth and rubbish is a problem that has not hither-
to been sufficiently studied. The matter is engaging the attention of a
special committee appointed by Government to investigate it. It is
impossible at the present stage to lay down any definite line of action
which local health authorities should take except that the relation bet-
ween filth and rubbish dumping grounds and the rat population should
be the subject of careful observation. It should also be practicable during
the dry season to render the less incumbustible forms of rubbish innocu-
ous by burning it.
39. (d} Setter Housing.—The housing problem has hardly yet been
faced by local bodies in this Presidency, though great advances have been