Where academics, acclimation co-exist

Since the school faces acute shortage of rooms, nearly 500 students from the primary classes take their lessons under the pipal tree. So when it rains, some of them are sent back, few others are adjusted in the classrooms. Even on the normal days they have to face the vagaries of weather.

The scene is no better for others. The pungent smell, because of the moisture, can suffocate anyone who enters the class room and can lead to ailments like asthma. "The damp walls particularly those near the electricity boards and the loose wires hanging from the ceiling are virtual death traps", said a teacher.

The staff room, the office and the so called science laboratory are no better. The moisture due to constant seepage of water has spoilt whatever little science apparatus the school had. The office clerk has to practically find a dry corner to sit with his files everyday. A look at the science room makes one wonder as to how the CBSE authorities gave recognition to such a school. In the absence of a store, broken furniture is also dumped in the classrooms.

The students revealed that every now and then snakes are found in the classrooms. The school authorities are of the view that perhaps the officials of the engineering department are waiting for a tragedy to occur before getting into action. Headmaster Ashok Kumar said that despite repeated reminders and letters, no action had been taken so far.

Students, who are mostly from the economically weaker section, hope that some day the administration will make school going more enjoyable rather normal for them. DPI (Schools) D S Mangat said that funds had already been sanctioned for the new building and work would soon be started. But until then the students would continue to bear the brunt of nature and administration.