Waterlogging forces Jhajjar school to operate in two shifts

The campus of Government Senior Secondary School at Rohad village in Bahadurgarh subdivision remains waterlogged, forcing the local education authorities to conduct classes in double shifts to ensure continuity of academic activities.

“The school has more than 300 students, but due to waterlogging, classes have been divided into two shifts. Classes for grades 6 to 8 are being conducted in the morning, while grades 9 to 12 are held in the evening. Many classrooms are waterlogged, but the principal's office, library, and other rooms are unaffected,” said Ravi Kiran, principal.

She claimed that classes were being conducted smoothly. However, students have expressed discomfort with the makeshift arrangements. The waterlogging has raised concerns about potential health risks and the spread of waterborne diseases.

A school employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said water had been accumulating on the premises for over two weeks. “The proposal for a new building has been approved, but its execution is facing delays,” he added.

Rajesh Kumar, District Education Officer, said four new classrooms were located on higher ground, hence classes were being conducted in two shifts.

“The school building is situated in a low-lying area, which makes it prone to waterlogging. We have submitted a proposal to the authorities for the construction of a new building to resolve the issue. In the meantime, pump sets have been installed to remove the stagnant water. We are in contact with the Irrigation Department,” he said.

Bharat, sarpanch of the village, said the level of water was initially high, but had now reduced significantly. “Since the village lacks a proper drainage system, rainwater tends to accumulate in the fields and other parts of the village,” he explained.

Deputy Commissioner Swapnil Ravindra Patil said drainage work was underway.