DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, Nov 24: For apathy of the authorities, a prominent school in North Andaman is on the brink of collapse posing risk to students and teachers. Constructed in the year 1958, the Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Subhashgram in Diglipur has been facing maintenance issues for long and routine mudslides near the school premises has increased the risk of building collapse that can trigger a big catastrophe in the region.
According to reports, faulty construction and use of substandard materials is alleged to be the main reason behind routine soil erosion along the school premises. The retaining wall constructed behind the school some years ago crumbled this year during heavy rains.
Moreover, the rivulet located just 3-4 feet from the school building has amplified the risk of landslide threatening the school building, which houses more than 900 students and about 50 teaching and non-teaching staff. Even the school fencing was damaged recently due to landslides.
“The building of GSSS Subashgram needs urgent attention as it has become vulnerable to landslides. Heavy rains trigger mudslides along the school premises due to the presence of a nearby rivulet. The retaining wall of the school building and fencing collapsed due to heavy rains and landslides. The reasons for the condition of the school building is primarily due to improper construction planning in a landslide-prone zone and lack of timely maintenance. The authorities concerned should immediately jump into action and embark on measures to ensure safety of the school building,” assert some residents of Subhashgram.
According to information, the Pradhan of Subhashgram Panchayat has also invited the attention of the Secretary Education towards the pressing issue. The APWD officials along with the Assistant Commissioner of Diglipur have also physical inspected the site of the school and remedial measures are likely to be taken soon for the safety of the school children and staff.
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