Due to breaches in the walls brought on by a nearby construction project, the Amarnath High School building in Govandi, Mumbai, is degrading and putting the lives of its 941 students in peril. Six classrooms have been closed by the administration of the school, while the pupils are still in danger in the open ones. Since the school's request for a neighbouring building from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was declined, rehabilitation cannot begin without moving the school. To identify a solution that guarantees the safety of the pupils and averts similar circumstances in the future, the BMC must collaborate with the school administration.
Approximately 941 students at Amarnath High School in Govandi are facing a grave risk to their lives due to the deteriorating condition of the school building. Cracks in the walls, believed to be caused by a neighbouring construction project, have raised concerns about the structural integrity of the school. Despite repeated appeals to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), no action has been taken to temporarily relocate the school, leaving students and staff in a precarious situation, according to the organization running the school.
Amarnath High School, an aided Marathi medium school in Vaibhavnagar, has been providing education since 1996 under the management of Amarnath Vaman Patil Shikshan Sanstha (AVPPS).
Officials from AVPPS explained that the construction project by a developer adjacent to the school, which falls under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), has resulted in cracks in the school's walls. The developer has agreed to rebuild the school, and the plan was approved on December 12, 2022. However, the reconstruction cannot commence without relocating the school to another site.
The deteriorating condition of the school building has become a cause for concern, especially with the ongoing monsoon season. The risk of a wall collapse leading to a disaster is looming large. In response, the school management has taken some measures to ensure student safety by closing six classrooms. However, the remaining open classrooms still leave students and parents anxious due to the potential dangers they face. Concerned parents have voiced their frustration as they find themselves having to shift their children to another school even though the school provides good education.
The school administration had previously submitted an application to the BMC's education department, requesting the provision of a nearby building to ensure uninterrupted education for the students. Unfortunately, the BMC issued a letter denying the school's request.
Sources say the school administration has obtained all the necessary permissions from the SRA, including a letter of intent. However, without relocating the students, they are unable to start the reconstruction. However, they remain hopeful of receiving support from the BMC.
The safety and well-being of the students should be the top priority, and immediate action is required to address the critical condition of the school building. The BMC must work together with the school administration to find a suitable solution that ensures the students can continue their education in a safe environment. Additionally, measures should be taken to prevent such situations in the future by implementing stringent regulations to ensure the structural integrity of buildings near educational institutions.
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