<i>Kids can't study as saw mill roars only 10 metres away</i>
Students of Purbo Kharibari Registered Primary School in Dimla upazila of Nilphamari district making a entreaty to suspend operation of this saw mill during the school hours as the roaring of the machine and wood dust from the mill, only 10 metres away, badly disturbs their classes.Photo: STAR
Study of 479 students of Purbo Kharibari Babupara Registered Primary School at remote Purbo Kharibari char on the Teesta River in Dimla upazila is badly disturbed due to noise and air pollution caused by an unlicensed saw mill beside the school. "Police constable Abdul Awal, hailing from the same village, set up a saw mill only 10 metres away from the school on his own land about three weeks ago. Every day, students and teachers request the mill owner or his representative to stop its operation during school hours but to no effect,” said Mofidur Rahman, headmaster of the primary school, on Monday. “Students cannot follow the teachers in classes due to roaring of the mill. Many of them sneeze or hiccup due to inhaling air polluted by wood dust. A good number of students avoid classes when the mill operates," he added. The 25 horse power capacity saw mill, which is operated by a shallow irrigation machine, creates thunderous sound. Besides, dust-like wood particles float in the air and cover the surrounding area, said local resident Moklesur Rahman, also guardian of a student. "Earlier I had requested the policeman not to set up the saw mill so close to the school but he ignored it. I made a complaint to the Dimla UNO, urging him to take action against the unlicensed saw mill,” said Mokbul Hossain, president of the school managing committee. Several students including Abdur Rahim, Md Hakim and Sharifa Aktar said they cannot hear teachers when the mill runs. They also face breathing problem as wood particles float in the air. "Purbo Kharibari Babupara Registered Primary School achieved 100% pass percentage in last primary terminal examination while 24 of 36 candidates secured 'A' grade. It is a matter of concern that learning of children in a remote char area is hampered," said Dimla Upazila Primary Education Officer Selina Begum. Asked, saw mill owner Abdul Awal said, "I am a policeman and have set up the saw mill on my own land, not on school land. I don't know whether I need a license for it. If needed I shall take the license in time." Contacted, Dimla UNO Mizanur Rahman on Tuesday said, "Following complaint from school authority concerned, I have directed the upazila forest department official to serve show cause notice on the saw mill owner. After getting the reply I shall go for next course of action.”
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