NAGAPATTINAM: The State government’s decision to close schools during rains proved to be a blessing for students of a primary school in Kollidam which is facing the brunt of North East monsoon. Pointing out to the dilapidated condition of the panchayat school, residents of Achalpuram on Thursday appealed to the district administration to pull the building down.
The school was built in 1962 and currently has 28 students on its rolls. But the dilapidated condition of the building is a source of constant fear for the locals. “When it rained heavily on Monday, the front portion of the building got damaged further and tiles fell from the roof.
Since holiday had been declared, no one was hurt. But with the rain continuing, the building could collapse anytime. Considering the lives of 28 students, the administration should demolish the school building and build a new one,” said M Sakthivel. “Students would most likely return in the next two or three days. So, it is essential to act quickly,” he added.
When contacted, a senior official of the Education Department in Nagapattinam district said, “We have listed that school as vulnerable and would not allow students into the building again. We have found a building on rent nearby and classes would be held there. The old building would be demolished soon.”
Quick action needed
Residents of Achalpuram stress need for faster response as the school is likely to re-open once rain stops. Officials from the School Education department have assured that children would not be allowed to enter the building.