Be safe before monsoon comes, schools told

As monsoon knocks on the door, the district education department has issued letters to school heads to ensure safety and preparedness and review the unsafe structures, including classrooms in schools. District Education Officer (Elementary) Kanwaljit Singh said that as a precautionary exercise, the school heads have been issued letters and responsibility fixed for any lapse regarding safety during monsoons.

“At the beginning of the month, we had conducted review meetings and issued letters to schools to ensure that classrooms or any other structures deemed unfit for use must be locked and made out of bound for students. We have also issued unsafe certificates by PWD for classrooms that have been found unfit for use or unsafe,” he said. MC Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh too chaired a meeting last week, directing officials to inspect and carry out desilting of areas in and around schools on priority basis.

The MC officials were asked to review, carry out inspections and repair of roofs, ensuring proper drainage and clearing of gutters to prevent waterlogging and potential structural damage to weakened structures. Additionally, school heads have been asked to review disaster management plans, particularly regarding potential flooding or outbreak of waterborne diseases, and ensure access to clean drinking water.

The DEO said that the letter issued to school heads directed them to check for leaks, cracks and damage to the roof and ensure that downspouts and gutters are clear to allow for proper flow of water during heavy rain. Inspection of wiring, connections and electrical panels for any damage or potential hazards related to moisture is to be done.

Meanwhile, a large number of schools in the district have received funds for repair and construction of classrooms. Schools which have unsafe structures marked are granted Rs one lakh for repair.