Tree lies on classroom roof for 4 months, halting classes

A massive chambal tree that was uprooted onto a semi-concrete classroom building during a nor'wester has remained stuck on the roof of Sater Rashi Government Primary School in Sadarpur upazila of Faridpur for nearly four months, halting academic activities and disrupting normal functioning.

During a spot visit to the school, the massive tree was seen resting on the tin-shed semi-concrete structure, with its weight severely damaging and partially destroying the building on Saturday (August 15) morning. Broken branches and debris were also scattered across a large portion of the school playground, rendering it unusable.

According to school sources, the tree located behind the school was blown down onto the building during a nor'wester on May 13. While the incident damaged a major portion of the room and forced authorities to suspend classes in that specific space, the tree has still not been removed even after nearly four months.

School authorities explained that because the tree falls under government property regulations, it cannot be cleared without permission from the relevant departments, meaning neither the school administration nor the managing committee could remove it independently.

Headteacher Shahidur Rahman of Sater Rashi Government Primary School stated that he informed the authorities in writing just two days after the storm in May, requesting a prompt removal in accordance with government rules, but no action has been taken yet.

He noted that the affected room was used for nursery classes and as the office room, and clearing the tree to repair the damaged tin-shed structure is essential to restoring regular classes. The headteacher added that children are unable to play properly because the scattered branches occupy much of the school field.

Local residents expressed deep concern, stating that the prolonged presence of the tree ruins the school environment and poses a constant safety hazard to students. They have urged immediate removal of the tree and reconstruction of the damaged facility.

Sadarpur Upazila Primary Education Officer Mamunur Rashid stated that the forest department was formally notified through a letter shortly after the incident, and expressed hope that the department would swiftly complete the auction process to clear the tree.

Meanwhile, Acting Sadarpur Upazila Forest Officer Sujan Talukdar said an application has been received regarding the matter and appropriate steps are currently underway. However, locals continue to question why a tree resting on a primary school classroom has been left unaddressed for four months, demanding immediate intervention to guarantee student safety and resume proper learning conditions.