BANGALORE: The appalling lack of safety measures at the Government Primary School, V Nagenahalli may result in complete disaster for both teachers as well as students. One of the main problems here is that, no proper arrangements have been made to ensure water supply to the toilets. Hence, the students have to draw water from the sump to ensure that the toilets are clean after using it. This has posed a huge safety concern.
“Earlier, water taps were provided at the school premises and it was convenient for the students to fetch water from the taps. However, some miscreants have broken the taps. So the students have no other option but to draw water from the sump,’’ said a teacher on condition of anonymity.
There are about 180 students studying in this school. And, when asked about the safety measures undertaken when students draw water from the sump, the teacher said that until now they have not borne witness to any unfortunate incident. “We always ensure that an employee helps the students to draw water at all times,’’ she said.
To top it all, there is no drinking water facility in the school. The students have to bring water on their own. Meanwhile, Rathnamma, in-charge, Headmistress, said that appropriate measures will be taken to provide water taps. “I have already informed the Cluster Resource Person about the requirement of water taps on school premises,’’ said Rathnamma.
The unauthorised slum in the area too has become a nuisance for the school. Slum-dwellers use the school premises at night, since the school has no watchman. There are occasions when helpers at the school have to clear the empty liquor bottles and other trash. In fact, a few of the windows were also broken by them.
“I will visit the school as early as possible,’’ said Doddanna Gowda, Cluster Resource Person. Meanwhile, Anjanappa, Block Education Officer, said, “I was aware of the nuisance created by slum-dwellers. I will request the police to take measures to prevent the slum-dwellers from entering the school premises at night,’’ said Anjanappa. The Block Education Officer has also assured that he would provide a plastic drum to store water in the toilets which will prevent students from drawing water from the sump.
Corporator Munirathnamma has also said that the school has an overhead water tank facility. “We have provided them with a water pump. I will take measures to repair it if needed,’’ the corporator said. Will the students finally get some relief? They will have to wait and watch.