School in Gorkha Plagued by Hairy Caterpillars, Disrupting Classes

Gorkha. Teachers and students at Akala Basic School in Kharachok Bhanjyang, Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality-3, are troubled by hairy caterpillars. Teaching and learning have been affected as the classrooms are filled with these insects.

There is an alder forest surrounding the school. Since the dry season began, hairy caterpillars from the alder trees have started entering the classrooms for the past month. Teacher Pabitra Tamang says, "It might sound like a small issue, but the hairy caterpillars coming from the surrounding alder forest have covered the classroom floor, desks, benches, tin roof, and walls—nowhere is clear."

Since the last week of Magh, teachers and students have been constantly scratching themselves due to the hairy caterpillars. They have developed rashes all over their bodies. Everyone has been taking allergy medication. "We cannot sleep because of constant itching at night. The students are suffering immensely," said teacher Tamang. She mentioned that children come to school after applying oil all over their bodies from the sting of the caterpillars' hairs.

Teacher Tamang stated that the carpet laid out for students from grades 1 to 3 was removed after it was covered by hairy caterpillars. She added that the students have been moved to the library.

"When the wind blows, there is a fear that the hairs will fly and get into our eyes," she said. "We complained to the education branch and the people's representatives of the rural municipality to resolve the problem. We were advised not to use pesticides. The situation remains the same."

Ward Chairman Bal Bahadur Gurung stated that the school's problem was raised in the executive committee meeting held on Falgun 26. "We thought the problem would be solved by cutting down the surrounding trees, so we felled three trees, but doing so caused the hairy caterpillars from the forest to come to the school even more," he said. "Instead of decreasing, the problem increased. The rural municipality did not allow us to use pesticides, saying it should not be used."

Ward Chairman Gurung said the problem persists. Teacher Tamang mentioned that the problem of flying hairs has slightly reduced in the last few days due to rainfall.