Kamal Ghorui
Dehradun: The district education department, along with the Dehradun administration, has demolished 56 dilapidated school buildings that posed a risk to students’ safety. Officials said 64 such buildings had been identified, and the remaining eight would be demolished within a month.The structures included four secondary schools and 52 elementary schools. In addition, 17 individual classrooms were found unfit for use — seven in secondary and 10 in elementary schools. Of these, 14 have been demolished, while the remaining three will be taken down within a month.Classes have been shifted to community halls, shelters and nearby schools to ensure that academic activities are not disrupted, officials said.The affected buildings were identified in Chakrata, Kalsi, Vikasnagar, Sahaspur, Raipur and Doiwala blocks.“Safety of students is the utmost priority. Dilapidated buildings must be removed to ensure a secure environment. Alternative arrangements have been made so that studies are not affected,” said chief education officer Vinod Kumar Daundiyal.Officials said some of the buildings will be rebuilt with govt funding, for which detailed project reports will be prepared. Schools with very low enrolment will be merged with cluster schools.
