Uttarakhand administration declares 79 dilapidated school buildings unsafe. ₹10 million sanctioned for demolition and safety measures following Chief Minister’s strict directives to protect children.
Dilapidated School Buildings Declared Unsafe for the First Time
Demolition Process Accelerated for 76 High-Risk School Buildings; ₹10 Million Sanctioned
Chief Minister’s Clear Directive: No Compromise with Children’s Safety
DM’s Strict Action Brings 100 Dilapidated School Buildings Reported Within 10 Days
Dehradun, January 18:
For the first time, the district administration has initiated decisive and time-bound action against school buildings that have remained in a dilapidated condition for years. Acting on the strict directives of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, District Magistrate Savin Bansal categorically stated that no compromise whatsoever will be tolerated when it comes to the safety of children. Ensuring the protection of young students remains the administration’s highest priority.
As a result of the District Magistrate’s firm stance and close monitoring, detailed reports on 100 dilapidated school buildings were received within just 10 days. Earlier delays in submitting reports had drawn strict action from the DM, leading to swift compliance and tangible outcomes. The Education Department has now submitted a complete and verified list of unsafe school buildings to the district administration.
₹10 Million Sanctioned to Expedite Demolition
On the instructions of the District Magistrate, the Public Works Department (PWD) was directed to prepare estimates for fully and partially unsafe school buildings. To ensure there is no delay in demolition and safety-related measures, a sum of ₹10 million (₹1 crore) has been sanctioned.
79 School Buildings Declared Completely Unsafe
According to the assessment report, 79 school buildings in the district have been declared completely unsafe, including:
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13 secondary schools
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66 primary schools
Out of these, alternative teaching arrangements have already been ensured in 63 schools, while immediate instructions have been issued to arrange alternatives for the remaining 16 schools.
In addition,
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17 schools have been declared partially unsafe,
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8 schools do not require demolition as per the technical assessment.
Alternative Arrangements Before Demolition
The District Magistrate has clearly directed that:
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Immediate demolition will be carried out in fully unsafe buildings.
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In schools where alternative teaching arrangements are yet to be made, demolition will be undertaken only after ensuring proper alternatives.
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For partially unsafe buildings, repairs, restrictions, and safety measures will be enforced strictly in accordance with prescribed safety standards.
DM’s Clear Message
District Magistrate Savin Bansal stated:
“There is no issue more important than the safety of children. Teaching activities will not be allowed in any unsafe school building. The administration will ensure time-bound, transparent, and fully accountable action.”