Now, safety concerns come to fore at Mohali school construction site

Serious safety concerns have been raised about the ongoing first-floor construction at the Government High School, Phase-5. Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi and councillor Baljeet Kaur today visited the school and expressed concern about the structural stability of the under-construction building.

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Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh too expressed serious concerns and demanded action against those at fault.

In a letter to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), the MLA highlighted multiple lapses in safety standards, cautioning that the construction poses a significant risk to students and staff.

“The construction reportedly contains major flaws that could compromise the stability of the existing ground floor structure, increasing the risk of damage. The construction is underway without necessary safety checks, posing a serious hazard to students and staff,” Singh said.

He added that the work allegedly does not adhere to prescribed construction and safety guidelines, further amplifying the risks.

The MLA urged the authorities to immediately cordon off the unsafe portions of the building to ensure a thorough inspection and direct the contractor to strictly follow approved construction and safety protocols. He also demanded strict action against the responsible contractor and officials involved in the lapses.

The DC sent a team led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Damandeep Kaur to inspect the spot along with District Education Officer Dr Ginni Duggal and Tehsildar Arjun Singh Grewal. The SDM inspected the under-construction building and has given instructions to give importance to the safety of the school students during the work. The District Education Officer (DEO) has been asked to address the concerns expressed by the MLA and the DC in the construction of the building.

Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi and local councillor Baljit Kaur also demanded strict action against the school principal, staff concerned, and the contractor, along with registering a police case against those accountable.

Key issues identified by deputy mayor and Kaur included the old staircase being narrow and uneven, posing a risk of accident and injuries to students. “There is no provision for a new staircase or a ramp for differently-abled students, highlighting a lack of accessibility and violations of construction norms and safety standards during the building process,” they added.

Bedi also alleged that the lack of adherence to approved construction plans by Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and the education department had led to multiple flaws in the structure.

Bedi urged the administration to conduct a proper audit of the construction of all school buildings across Mohali to ensure all school buildings are constructed strictly as per approved plans and safety norms.

“The SDM and DEO have issued strict instructions to halt the construction work and the engineering wing of the education department has also been directed to submit a detailed report,” he further added.