A Mumbai resident has gone viral after sharing a video of pest control workers removing a beehive from outside her 31st-floor apartment, drawing both concern and debate online.
The footage, posted by Ruma S Bhowmik on Instagram, shows the hive attached to the exterior wall near her bathroom window. Filming from inside her flat, she provided a running commentary as pest control staff carried out the operation high above the ground.
In a follow-up clip shared later, the hive had been completely removed, though a few dead bees were visible near the area.
Internet divided over method used
The video has garnered over 20 lakh views, with users reacting strongly to the removal process. While some praised the efficiency of the operation, others questioned whether the housing society had been informed beforehand.
Several users criticised the use of chemical sprays along with smoke, arguing that live hive relocation by trained beekeepers would have been a more environmentally responsible approach. One commenter emphasised that bees play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
Others offered practical suggestions, including seeking professional beekeepers who can safely relocate hives without harming the colony. A few viewers, however, described the video as “absolute cinema,” captivated by the high-rise operation.
Safety versus environmental concerns
Experts often advise that while beehives near residential spaces may pose safety risks, especially in high-rise buildings, relocation rather than extermination is generally considered the preferred method.
The viral clip has once again highlighted the delicate balance between urban safety and environmental responsibility. As cities grow vertically, encounters between humans and wildlife are becoming increasingly common, prompting broader conversations about sustainable solutions.