The Rs 63-crore Atal Residential School in a village of Basti, Uttar Pradesh, is grappling with significant flooding on its campus, compelling students to navigate through contaminated water to access their classrooms and dormitories. Established in 2023 to serve children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the institution has historically encountered severe waterlogging every monsoon season.

Heavy rainfall inundates various parts of the school, affecting the hostel, classrooms, pathways, and administrative buildings. Unfortunately, three years after the school’s inception, no long-term solution to the drainage issues has been implemented, which continues to hinder students’ attendance during rainstorms.

Challenges Faced by Students

Students residing in the campus report that there is no dry path available between the hostels and classrooms during periods of heavy rain. They are often required to wade through stagnant, unpleasant water to reach their educational facilities. The risk of infections and skin conditions is a growing concern among the students, alongside the potential threats posed by hazardous creatures that may inhabit the standing water.

The ongoing flooding issue is reportedly exacerbated by the school’s geographical placement and insufficient drainage design. The campus is positioned on low-lying terrain, making it particularly vulnerable when nearby water channels overflow due to heavy precipitation.

Despite these difficulties, efforts to rectify the situation appear to be lacking. Parents and local stakeholders have expressed frustration over the absence of a quick resolution to what they view as a critical issue affecting their children’s education and wellbeing.

Administrative Response to the Situation

According to the school’s principal, Puran Chandra, the administration is aware of the waterlogging situation and has notified senior officials and the construction agency multiple times regarding the persistent issue. Inspections by high-ranking district officials have been conducted in response to community complaints, but the waterlogging remains unresolved.

Labour Department inspector Shyamsundar Shukla stated that the flooding stems from excessive rainfall, which has overwhelmed the existing drainage capacity. He indicated that the district administration has instructed the construction department to implement urgent measures to tackle the problem.

In light of the safety concerns for students, the school has temporarily closed its facilities. The inspector acknowledged the severity of the flooding and its negative impact on students’ studies, affirming that prompt steps are being taken to find a viable long-term solution to the waterlogging crisis affecting the school.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share