Kannada school alumni install fencing around campus

Hubballi: The alumni of the century-old Govt Model Kannada Boys' School No. 2 on Broadway in Hubballi have taken matters into their own hands to secure the school's premises.Disappointed by Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation's (HDMC) inaction, the former students have erected a fence around the school grounds to protect the property and maintain cleanliness in the area. The school has been educating students for over 150 years and faces challenges due to HDMC's neglect. The alumni, who share a strong bond with their alma mater, felt the need to step in and take necessary action to safeguard the school's integrity.Mahesh Chikkaveeramath, leader of the old students' association, expressed his disappointment, stating, "It is very painful to see the ground in front of the school covered by vehicles and also a filthy atmosphere surrounding the school, because of the public urinating on its compound. We requested the HDMC authorities several times to fence the school surroundings and also provide a safe pathway for the schoolchildren to enter the school. Due to the illegal, haphazard parking in front of the school, students find it very difficult to enter the campus and also to play on the premises of the school."Despite the deputy commissioner's directions, the HDMC officials, including the Commissioner, failed to take any action or even visit the site. Frustrated by the officials' apathetic attitude, the alumni pooled their resources to erect the fencing and clean the school area with the help of the local corporator. They also plan to install lighting facilities at night to deter people from using the place for urinating and other inappropriate activities.Ishwar Ullagaddi, Commissioner of HDMC, acknowledged the importance of the century-old school and stated that HDMC has open space in front of the school. He has instructed officials to prepare a permanent plan to utilise the open space and the protection and development of the school premises as well. "Suitable measures will be taken to maintain a clean surrounding of the school," he added.