Haryana child care institute housed in ‘condemned’ building

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, March 3

Haryana Rajya Bal Bhawan, the state government-run child care institute in Madhuban, is being run from an unsafe building. The PWD (B&R), in its report to the district administration, had declared it ‘condemned’ in December. Despite that, 35 children continue to be housed in the building that sources say came up in 1954.

A board comprising the District Child Welfare Officer, XEN, PWD (building), Bal Bhawan manager and others had during inspection found cracks in the walls and pillars, posing threat to the lives of the children. Also, the building drainage system being old is frequently choked, emitting a stench. “We have recommended that the building be demolished,” said Raj Kumar Nain, XEN.

The authorities have no plan to shift the children elsewhere if the building is razed. Amit Kamboj, manager of the child care institute, said: “So far, we do not have any alternative arrangement to shift the children. We will write to the DC’s office for help.”

Nishant Kumar Yadav, DC, admitted the building was unsafe. “It is in a dilapidated condition. I have asked the authorities concerned to initiate the demolition process by holding auction.” On the inordinate delay in shifting children, he said they had been exploring various options.

“A new building will be constructed in two phases. It will come up in a year,” he added.

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