BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th June 2024: In Kamalpur, a small town bustling with educational institutions and residential areas, a concerning threat looms large: swarms of bees have taken refuge near vital community spaces. The water tank adjacent to Kamalpur Government English Medium XII School, merely twenty meters away has become a hive for at least 15-20 bees. Surrounding this central location are critical facilities such as the Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge, Government Tourist Lodge, Anand Marga School and Kamalpur Model SB School, all within a 200-meter radius accommodating around 425 students.
The issue, however, extends beyond mere inconvenience. The bees’ presence poses a significant risk, particularly to the health department’s drinking water and overhead tanks, crucial for the densely populated area. Abhijit Bhowmik, the in-charge head teacher of Kamalpur Government English Medium XII School, expressed grave concerns: “Last year, there were only a few bee hives, but now their numbers have increased drastically, heightening the risk in our vicinity.”
The local authorities have been informed, but according to Bhowmik, their response has been inadequate. “If another hawk or similar threat strikes,” he added, “the students here will be most vulnerable.” Similar worries were echoed by Suphal Shuklaveidya, headmaster of PM Sri Krishnachandra Girls XII School, who highlighted the difficulty in removing the hives due to their height and precarious location.
Experts recommend a nocturnal intervention by the fire and emergency services department, using water guns to disperse the bees safely. Additionally, applying grease to the tank’s exterior post-removal could prevent further nesting attempts. With schools and residential areas at risk, timely action is crucial to mitigate potential harm to the community.
