Structure housing 3 govt schools is in a sorry state due to neglect in Hubballi

HUBBALLI: A school building located at Koulapeth on PB Road, which houses two century-old govt schools and over 400 students, has fallen into a state of disrepair due to the authorities' neglect.
The institution has been in urgent need of maintenance for years, but it has been overlooked. The civic authorities have issued a notice to the school administration, stating that, “The structure is in a dilapidated state and in dangerous condition,” emphasising the need for immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the students attending these schools.
The school building is home to three govt schools: the Government Higher Primary Urdu Girls School No. 2, established in 1913; the Government Higher Primary Urdu Boys School No. 5, established in 1919; and the Higher Primary Kannada School No. 7, established in 1942. These schools have 270, 90, and 70 students, respectively. The building's structure, particularly the side wall facing the road, has deteriorated due to heavy vehicle movement on PB Road.
The officials of HDMC Zone-9 have issued a notice to the school authorities to vacate the premises immediately, citing the dangerous condition of the structure.
BM Mujahid, a teacher at Urdu Girls School No. 2, reported that during rain, there is significant water leakage due to cracks in the wall facing the road, and the issue has been brought to the attention of higher officials.
Wahab Mulla, a former corporator and past student of the school, emphasised the school's legacy and called for the authorities to take necessary measures to strengthen the structure and maintain the schools. SG Hiremath, a teacher at Kannada School No. 7 since 1999, noted that the school is one of the oldest and used to have over a thousand students, but the numbers have decreased.
Basavaraj Horatti, chairperson of the Karnataka Legislative Council, attributed the declining enrolment in govt schools to their poor condition. He mentioned that there are Supreme Court guidelines to ensure the fitness of school structures and obtain reports from the PWD, but officials often fail to do so.
Horatti pledged to discuss the matter with education minister Madhu Bangarappa and secretary-level officials to take appropriate action to strengthen the building and ensure the safety of the children.