Students suffer as Bargarh schools battle acute waterlogging after low pressure-induced rain

Heavy torrential rain induced by the low pressure over the Bay of Bengal for the last couple of days has triggered severe waterlogging at many schools in Bargarh district. The prevailing situation has affected studies in those educational institutions.

Take the case of Lal Bahadur Shastri Upper Primary School at Padmapur in the district. The waterlogging on the school premises seems like an artificial lake.

“When it rains, our school is often submerged with knee-deep water. Even water enters our classrooms affecting our study. We often fall ill due to the circumstances,” said Sai Sriya Das, a student of the school.

“We have informed the higher authorities about the situation several times. They have taken some short-term measures. However, no long-term solution to the problem has been made yet,” said Bishikeshan Satpathy, the Headmaster of the school.

Similar is the case at Paikamala Upper Primary School. As per the headmaster of the school, Sushant Kumar Sahu, the school premises are often submerged in water whenever it rains. 

“The school premises are often waterlogged in rainy season as the Biju Express Way road in front of the school is four feet higher than the level of the school compound. Hence, water overflows on the school premises when it rains. As a result, less number of students come to the school in the rainy season. Though we have informed our grievances to the higher authorities several times, nothing has been materialised,” said Sahu.

“The waterlogging occurred due to heavy rainfall. We are aware of the problem of the school. Proper measures will be taken at the earliest,” said Mitrabhanu Kachhappa, District Education Officer, Bargarh.