City school bears the brunt

KOCHI: It’s not an easy life for more than 312 tiny tots of Rajagiri Christu Jayanthi Kindergarten and Public School. They are swamped by flies while they eat, study and play. They are left with no other option but to suffer in silence as the authorities remain mute spectators to the pangs of these little ones. The Brahmapuram plant that ceased functioning for the last three months is giving nightmares to the school authorities as the plant is at a stone’s throw away from the school.“We have about 312 children in the kindergarten and they are bearing the brunt of official apathy. These children are in the age group of three-and-a-half and five-and-a-half. It is sad to see them suffer for they don’t even know that they have to shoo away the flies while having food,” said  Beena Simon, headmistress, Rajagiri Christu Jayanthi Kindergarten.“We spoke to Minister K Babu, MLA Benny Behnan and Mayor Tony Chammany. The authorities said all they can do is spray mosquito repellents. But since we are concerned about the children’s health, we did not allow them to spray it inside the school,” said Augustine Mampally, director, Rajagiri Christu Jayanthi Public School and Kindergarten.“Though the authorities have taken steps, they have not been effective. The stench emanating from the plant is unbearable and some children even started vomiting,” he said. “This could pose a serious health risk. Coping with the stench that emanates from the waste treatment plant is not an easy task. We have informed the parents, too. I have got calls from parents saying that they found flies in their children’s lunch boxes,” Beena Simon said. When contacted, Excise Minister K Babu said that he has brought the issue to the notice of the Mayor. “It is not in my purview. It is up to the Mayor to take a decision in this regard,” he said. Mayor Tony Chammany was not available for comment.The people residing in the nearby areas are also suffering because of the stench. “If an unaided school cannot deal with the issue how can we commoners?” they ask. “The waste dumped at the plant is not scientifically treated. We have raised the issue several times. Mayor Tony Chammany is yet to show any interest in tackling the issue,” said M A Mohanan, opposition leader, Thrikkakara municipality.