Demolition of unsafe school buildings in Ernakulam stalled by procedural delays

Procedural delays are hindering the demolition of unsafe school buildings in Ernakulam district.

The Education department had issued notices to 72 schools, directing them to demolish buildings that posed a safety risk to students. While the schools are making efforts to comply with the notice and maintain secure environments, procedural delays in implementing such measures could remain a concern, hindering timely action.

In the case of Government Sanskrit Higher Secondary School, Thripunithura, a building from the early 2000s is unfit for use. The building was constructed when higher secondary education was introduced at the school, according to the school staff.

An unsafe building at Government Higher Secondary School at Vennala in Kochi.
| Photo Credit:
THULASI KAKKAT

“We requested officials of the Local Self-Government department to carry out the valuation of the building. We also sent a reminder the other day. The rest of the work can be done only after the valuation certificate is issued,” said Savithri V., head mistress.

The main challenge is getting the tender proceedings done once the valuation certificate is issued. “Demolition of buildings cannot be carried out in haste. There are several procedures that need to be followed, like getting a valuation certificate from the local body concerned, issuance of demolition tender, and auctioneering. Most contractors try to quote less, and this is where the whole procedure could get stuck,” said a government official.

A total of eight more schools have been added to the list, said Subin Paul, Deputy Director of Education (DDE), Ernakulam. “We have issued clear instructions to the schools on what needs to be done. If the school heads default on this, they will be held accountable if anything untoward happens,” said Mr. Paul.

According to V.A. Sreejith, chairman of the education and sports standing committee in the Kochi Corporation, only four schools within the Corporation limits are part of the list. “We have completed valuation in all the four schools. They can soon proceed with tender formalities,” he said.

A headmistress, who did not wish to be quoted, said, “We have been following up with officials every other day to ensure a safe environment for students. But the delay is something we cannot help with. Once the valuation is done, we need to schedule the demolition, which can ideally be carried out during vacation. Earlier, officials had informally told us that it could be done during the Onam vacation. But it did not happen. So, the process could get delayed for unforeseen reasons.”