Bureau, June 19 (V7N) — Residential students at the Government Teachers’ Training College (TTC) in Rajshahi are facing immense hardships due to the severe deterioration of the campus pond, located directly in front of the Kazi Nazrul Islam Hostel. Once a scenic and functional water body, the pond has transformed into a stagnant pool choked with water hyacinths and rotting fish, turning into a breeding ground for diseases and a significant health hazard.
According to the residents of the student hostel, living conditions have become unbearable due to the overwhelming stench of decomposing fish blanketing the entire area. The air pollution, coupled with a massive explosion in the mosquito population, has drastically increased the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue, threatening the well-being of the future teachers residing on campus.
Investigating the management of the reservoir revealed that the pond is currently leased and supervised by the College Mosque Committee. When confronted regarding the environmental crisis, the Convener of the Mosque Committee initially claimed that the fish population was completely unharmed. However, under pressure from student complaints, he eventually backtracked, admitting that a substantial number of fish had died and were generating the foul odor.
When asked about the campus crisis, the Principal of the Government Teachers’ Training College, Professor Dr. Biswajit Banerjee, distanced the central administration from the issue. He stated that all matters concerning the pond fall strictly under the jurisdiction of the Mosque Committee. Furthermore, when his attention was drawn to the critical mosquito infestation surrounding the hostel, the Principal deflected accountability, asserting that mosquito control is the sole responsibility of the Rajshahi City Corporation.
The dismissive stance and lack of coordination among institutional authorities have sparked intense frustration among the residential students. They argued that administrative loopholes should not be used as an excuse to jeopardize student health.
The suffering students have made an urgent appeal for immediate intervention from the relevant higher authorities to clear the water hyacinths, remove the decomposing fish, and disinfect the pond. They warned that if emergency cleaning measures are not executed swiftly, the intensifying environmental pollution could trigger a major health catastrophe across the campus.
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