Sharmili Mallick

Bhadrak: Come rainy season, the students of Karanjadia Majhisahi Primary School have to wade through knee-deep water to reach school in Basudevpur area in Bhadrak.

The school which is situated on the banks of Mantei river remains flooded for four months every year. As a result, the students are forced to attend classes by risking their lives as the spot is vulnerable to crocodile attacks.

"The river is barely few meters away from the school and as flood water enters the premises, snakes can be often spotted in and around the school building. On the other hand, crocodile threat also looms large," said Ranjita Majhi, a guardian

President of School Management Committee, Prafulla Kumar Tarai said,"When the current is high in the river, water enters the school premises making it prone to mishaps".

On the other hand, it is being alleged that despite repeated complaints regarding the plight of the school, the officials are yet to take any concrete measures to resolve such issues.

"There are 136 students and we also having sufficient teachers for the school. But there is no adequate number of classrooms. As there is no kitchen, mid-day-meal is cooked outside," informed Headmaster of the school, Himanshi Sekhar Katha.

The school remains inundated with flood water for which snakes, scorpions often enter the premises, he added.

"We have written letter to the administration and once funds are allocated, new rooms will be constructed," informed Block Education Officer (BEO), Rabindra Narayan Mallick.

Mallick further said that as the school is situated on the banks of Mantei river, water entering the school during high current in the river is natural.

However, the height of the school needs to be increased for which we cannot do anything at our level. But we will certainly inform the concerned officials for appropriate action, Mallick added.

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