Will School Infra In Fani-Hit Areas Be Restored On Time?

Puri: Apart from power and telecommunication, school infrastructure has also been severely damaged by cyclonic storm Fani and concerns are now being expressed as no tangible progress has been made towards restoration.

This has now created confusion in the minds of students as well as their guardians as only a few days are left for the summer vacations to end and several schools buildings, which suffered extensive damage in the cyclone, are yet to be repaired.

"I will be appearing by 10th board exams and as the school infrastructure is yet to be repaired, we are now worried about studies," said Abhisekh Moharana, a student.

As per reports, buildings, boundary walls, kitchens and other infrastructure of several schools were badly affected in the Fani-affected districts. From broken doors & windows to collapsed structures, there have been massive damages to school infrastructure in Puri district.

"The State government has instructed to complete the repair works at the earliest," said Purnima Tripathy, headmaster (in-charge), Jagannath School, Brahmagiri.

Some schools were also converted into cyclone shelters during Fani to accommodate people after they were evacuated. There are many schools which still provide shelter to people who lost their homes to Fani. Meanwhile, the concerned minister has instructed officials to complete minimum repair works on war-footing before the onset of monsoon.

"We have asked officials to complete the minimum repairs before the school reopens on June 19," said School and Mass Education Minister, Samir Ranjan Dash.