Suryakant Jena

Cuttack: Even though two months have elapsed since the destructive cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in the coastal belt and Twin Cities of the State, the Dholakatha Primary School under Banki-Dampada area of Cuttack district is yet get a new lease of life.

Knelt in the wrath of the cyclonic storm, the entire infrastructure of the school including the main building is now in utter dilapidation. As such, a kotha room situated in the village has turned the new destination for dozens of students of the school.

"We have been forced to shift our kids to the Bhagabat Tungi for their classes since the condition of the their school is completely out of order. Even if the children are distracted during their classes here in the Bhagabat room, we have no other option," Benudhar Choudhury, a parent said.

Jheena Behera, a student demanded that the government should take immediate measures to renovate their school so that they get the desired environment for studies.

Santosh Kumar Sahu, Dholakatha school In-charge said, "At least we need five class rooms for the five classes because we cannot force students to sit in a single class room. We are hardly left with any option as the cyclone has destroyed everything."

Similarly, nearby Chakapada Primary School is also going through the same fate where students of  Class IV and V are forced to share a single room for their classes.

According to sources as many as 48 schools under Dampada block have suffered extensive damage in the cyclone but the two aforesaid schools have been completely decimated due to which education has been adversely hit in the schools.

However, the Block Education Officer has assured that steps are being taken to renovate the schools so that students can continue their studies uninterruptedly.

Satyabhama Dalei, BEO of Banki-Dampada block said raw materials have been arranged for renovation of Dholaktha school but work is yet to begin. The BDO has reportedly called for a review meeting today to inspect the necessary developments following which work will be initiated, added sources.

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