Sultanpur Lodhi villages flooded, 2 schools shut

A day after flood waters entered agricultural fields across 15 villages in Sultanpur Lodhi of Kapurthala district, two government schools in Baupur were shut today. The affected schools are Government Primary School, Baupur and Government High School, Baupur.

Government High School has now shifted to online mode until the situation improves. Teachers have been deputed at the cluster school.

District Education Officer (DEO) Mamta Bajaj confirmed the temporary closure, emphasising that student safety is the top priority. She stated that if the flood waters do not recede in the coming days, the schools may relocate classes to a nearby gurdwara, replicating the arrangement adopted during the 2023 floods.

Located in the Baupur island area, which comprises 12 villages and a population of over 3,000, the two schools are situated in Baupur Jadid village. They have borne the brunt of flooding in Kapurthala district.

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

Learning from the past experiences, 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 flood. While we've managed to secure the essentials, the building will undoubtedly suffer damage again.”

DEO Mamta reiterated that education continuity will be maintained. “We are closely monitoring the situation. The safety and well-being of students remains our top concern,” she added.

The local authorities are coordinating relief efforts as water levels continue to pose a threat to the fields. This has made farmers depressed and distressed again. Further decisions regarding reopening the schools will depend on the evolving flood situation.