Work carried out in dilapidated school buildings: Authorities to HC

Madurai: Pudukottai district administration authorities have informed Madras high court that renovation work is being carried out on buildings of primary and middle schools, which are in a dilapidated condition, while some buildings were demolished in various panchayat unions in the district.In the status report, Pudukottai district collector stated that out of the 111 school and anganwadi buildings, 55 have been demolished, 12 buildings have been restored after maintenance work, two buildings are to be demolished, 18 are to be renovated and 24 buildings are in a good condition.A division bench of justice N Sathish Kumar and justice M Jothiraman while hearing a public interest litigation filed by K Muruganandam, directed the petitioner to peruse the report filed by the authorities, verify the same, and file objections, if any.In his petition, Muruganandam stated that he visited various primary and middle schools in Ponnamaravathi, Thirumayam, Aranthangi, Avudayarkoil, and Kunnandarkoil panchayat unions. Most schools are in a dilapidated condition, with cracked walls, roofs, and structural failures requiring immediate demolition. However, the students continue studying in these dangerous buildings every day.He stated that he filed an application under RTI to the concerned authorities requesting comprehensive details of damaged govt school buildings in the unions. The RTI information reveals that school buildings are in a damaged and dilapidated condition, posing grave risk to students' lives due to structural instability, leaking roofs, and cracked walls. It is evident that school infrastructure across these five panchayat unions demands immediate structural audits, demolition of unsafe structures, and reconstruction to safeguard the lives of the students.He stated that he submitted a representation to the authorities to conduct emergency structural safety audits in primary and middle schools in the panchayat unions, including Ponnamaravathi, Thirumayam, Aranthangi, Avudayarkoil, and Kunnandarkoil, and repair and reconstruct new school buildings as per prescribed rules and regulations. Since no steps were taken in this regard, the petitioner moved court seeking relief.