Bundi school students exposed to pollution from oil filter plant

Kota: In Bundi's Lakheri town, more than 200 students at a govt co-educational senior higher secondary school are facing severe health issues due to pollution from an oil filter plant situated just 50 metres from their classrooms. The School Development and Management Committee (SDMC) has sent multiple letters to the Bundi district collector, sub divisional magistrate and district education officials about the establishment of the plant one month ago.Despite students suffering from eye irritation, skin problems and breathing difficulties, the district administration is yet to take any action. The school, with 216 enrolled students and 12 teachers, reports that both staff and students are experiencing coughing and headaches due to the oil filter plant's presence.According to an SDMC member, a local businessman has set up an oil filter plant allegedly without authorisation on the govt land next to the school's boundary. The plant's emissions have created an unhealthy environment, causing students to experience various health issues, with some needing to leave school early.SDMC secretary Hemant Sharma informed TOI on Monday that despite writing to various officials about students' health concerns and the polluted environment, no remedial measures have been implemented.Chief Block Education Officer (CBEO) of Keshoraipatan, Sanjay Meena, acknowledged his limited authority, stating he could only inform the district administration about students' difficulties, which he did, but the situation remains unresolved.SDM Bhawana Singh told TOI, "We know about the issue and I have instructed the tehsildar to give a detailed inquiry and submit factual report, which is yet to be received." He confirmed that actions would follow once the report is received.Following a similar incident at a Jaipur coaching centre on Sunday, Kota Municipal Corporation's fire safety team surveyed coaching institutes near drains in Dadabari and Jawahar Nagar areas, recommending necessary improvements, on Monday. These institutes, primarily offering non-NEET/IIT coaching, lack fire safety NOC and have received notices, said corporation officials.
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