76 school buildings in Dehradun, which pose a threat to children's lives, will be demolished; the system has awakened after CM Dhami's strict orders

Dehradun. For years, hundreds of children in the district have been forced to study in school buildings whose walls are uncertain if they will collapse. Iron rods are visible from the roofs, water drips into the rooms during the rainy season, and yet, studies continue. Now, the district administration has taken a decisive action against this negligence.Following strict instructions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, District Magistrate Savin Bansal adopted a zero-tolerance approach to dilapidated school buildings. As a result, in just 10 days, dilapidated building reports for 100 schools were released, which had been stashed away in files for years.The investigation revealed a shocking picture. The buildings of 79 schools in the district were found to be completely unusable. These included 13 secondary schools and 66 primary schools. These buildings were so dangerous that even sitting in them was unsafe for children. Additionally, 17 schools were found to be partially dilapidated, while eight school buildings were found to be currently safe.The District Magistrate has made it clear that demolition will take place immediately in the 63 schools where alternative arrangements have already been made. In the remaining 16 schools, alternative arrangements for children's education will first be ensured, and then the buildings will be demolished.An amount of Rs 1 crore has been approved for demolition and safety work. The Public Works Department has been instructed to prepare the grounds within seven days. The District Magistrate has clarified that under no circumstances will classes be held in dilapidated buildings.This action is not just about demolishing the building, but also questions the system of the education department, which ignored the safety of children for years.Education system under scrutinyThe biggest question is: if it weren't for the District Magistrate's strictness, would these dilapidated schools ever have been exposed? The buildings now declared unusable weren't a new problem. Many schools had been in dilapidated condition for the past five to ten years, yet there was neither timely inspection nor reporting.The children suffered directly due to the lack of accountability between the education department, construction agencies, and the local administration. Every year, the file was closed with the claim of minor repairs, whereas the real need was to vacate and demolish the building. Now that action has begun, it has become clear that with the administrative will, the situation can be transformed in just 10 days.Report and action plan79 school buildings completely unusable17 schools partially dilapidatedAlternative education started in 63 schoolsAlternative arrangements to be made soon in 16 schools01 crore rupees approved for demolitionInstructions for preparing courtyard in 07 daysThe safety of children is a top priority. No school will conduct instruction in hazardous buildings. The administration will ensure timely, transparent, and accountable action. Savin Bansal, District Magistrate