Sultanpur Lodhi schools closed due to rising water levels

Schools in the Baupur area of Sultanpur Lodhi, located in Kapurthala district, will remain closed for another week as flood-like conditions persist in the region. This decision, made by the district administration and the Education Department, comes in light of ongoing safety concerns for students and staff.

The closure was initially enforced last week for two days due to rising water levels. However, with no signs of improvement and increasing concerns that the water levels may rise further, the authorities have extended the closure. The region continues to face continuous challenges, making it unsafe for schools to operate.

Situated in the Baupur island area, which includes 12 villages and a population of over 3,000, the two affected schools — the Government Primary School and the Government High School — are located in Baupur Jadid village, one of the worst-hit areas by flooding in Kapurthala district.

In 2023, these schools suffered extensive damage when floodwaters destroyed computers, printers, headphones, school records, furniture and mid-day meal supplies. The infrastructure, including floors and toilets, was also severely affected.

Learning from the past, the school staff took precautionary measures this year. “We began preparations last week,” a teacher told The Tribune. “Important documents, records and equipment were moved to the first floor in anticipation of the flood. While we’ve managed to secure the essentials, the building will undoubtedly suffer damage again.”

Mamta Bajaj, the Primary District Education Officer, stated that the decision to extend the closure was made collectively by the education department and local administration. “There is still water standing around the school premises and the safety of the students remains our top priority,” she explained.

Local sources indicate that floodwaters are still present in the area, with reported water levels around 3 to 4 feet in certain parts. Given these conditions, it is impossible for normal classroom activities to take place.

In response to the extended closure, the education department has arranged online classes so that students can continue their studies from home. However, challenges remain. Many students in the area come from rural backgrounds and struggle with access to digital devices and stable internet connections. While teachers are making efforts to ensure continued education, the effectiveness of online learning remains limited under the current circumstances. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of students while minimising disruptions to their education.