VELLORE: R Nadiya, a parent from Kesavapuram village in Vellore's Kaniymabadi block, is scared until her children return home from the nearby Panchayat Union Primary School daily. Her fear has worsened after a snake was found inside the school toilet last week.
Like Nadiya, many parents are worried about their children’s safety and have demanded that a compound wall be built around the school. On Monday, residents, especially parents, of Kesavapuram village submitted a petition to Collector PS Leela Alex, seeking the construction of a compound wall around the campus, citing safety concerns.
According to the petitioners, around 159 students study in the school, which offers classes from 1 to 5. Locals said the school has lacked a compound wall for over 30 years, ever since its inception.
"These are small kids, and they won't know what to do if something bad happens. The school premises are bushy; there is a drainage canal and a lake behind the school building. Poisonous snakes and insects frequent the school premises. Due to the heat these days, snakes enter the school building to take shade. Moreover, when it rains, water from the drainage canal overflows, and stagnant rainwater blocks the school entrance," said Nadiya.
Venda K, another parent, also shared her fear. "I stay on the opposite street from the school. My daughter studies in the third standard. However, there are many stray dogs in the area and due to the absence of a compound wall, dogs also enter the school premises," she said.
Further, parents alleged that drunk people leave liquor bottles on the premises.
On August 23, unknown persons broke the kitchen lock where the midday meal is prepared and stole three gas cylinders. School staff discovered the theft when they opened the kitchen the next day.
Petitioners alleged that as of Monday, the culprits had not been traced. Kaniyambadi BDO Ramesh Kumar said the petition seeking construction of a wall was received only on Monday and that a suitable scheme would be identified for taking up the work.
