RAJSHAHI, Feb 11: At school, when small children are happily swinging their legs and swinging on the swing, smoke is coming out from the mouth of two brick kilns located near the school. Children are getting sick from this smoke.
Two brick kilns are running next to Godagari Kadipur Government Primary School-2 in Rajshahi disregarding the rules.
According to the Brick Making and Installation of Kilns (Regulation) (Amendment) 2019, brick kilns should be established at least one kilometre away from any special establishment, educational institution, railway, hospital and clinic, research institute or any similar place or institution. However, two brickfields have been set up next to the school boundary without following the rules.
It was seen that there are two brick kilns named Messrs MS Bricks and MHB Moon Hawa Bricks located on both sides of Godagari Kadipur Government Primary School-2. Two brick kilns are in operation. Bricks are being burnt even during the day. Swings and slides are installed in the field in front of the school. Children are playing there. Just as the children are playing, a smoke billows from the side with dust.
As soon as anyone enters the school, s/he will notice four classrooms. Every window is closed. Students say that they can never open the windows.
Humaira Afrin, a class four student, said, "There is a lot of dust and smoke. This is why we sneeze and cough. This is happening because of the two brickfields on the sides. When school is opened, the benches are found filled with dust.
Student Abu Saeed reported the same suffering. He says, "We keep the window closed because of the dust. It is difficult to breathe when the window is closed.
Kamrun Nessa, the teacher of that school said, "Our school is located in a remote area. Children here are very poor. Many people are getting sick in polluted environment. Besides, we also suffer a lot. Office furniture is destroyed in the dust."
Imam Hossain, head teacher of the school, said that the black smoke of the river is spoiling the environment of the school. The authorities concerned should take action in this regard.
Obaidullah, owner of MS Bricks, said, "The school has been established after our construction of brickfield." But when asked in what year the kiln was established, he said, "I am busy now". He cut the connection saying that he will talk later.
After several attempts to contact Afzal Hossain, owner of MHB Moon Hawa Bricks, over phone, he was not found available.
Assistant Director of Rajshahi Environment Department Kabir Hossain said, "I am aware of the two brick kilns. We are taking action on the brick kilns in a phased manner. Action will be taken against these also".
