Pavement out of bounds for school kids in Kasturba Nagar

Many of the school’s 200 children, who hail from economically weaker sections, can hardly walk a few steps on the well-laid platform which has been completely taken over by commercial establishments such as an eatery, teashop, junk metal shop and construction materials. Adding to their woes, the stretch around the school compound is also turning into a parking lot. “Any time of the day one can see two-wheelers parked on the platforms and lorries and cars parked very near the gate,” says the headmistress of the school. Compounding the problem is the fact that the dustbin placed near the school is always filled to the brim. “Residents and the eateries nearby dump their garbage in this dustbin which has been placed too close to the school compound. Our children’s health is at risk because of the unhygienic condition. “Although I have written to the authorities concerned, no action has been taken so far,” she added.

K Shanthi, an activist says she was forced to lodge a complaint with the Amma Call Centre in June this year because she found a shop selling cigarettes near the school. “People can be found smoking in the school zone right through the day. “It is a clear violation,” she adds. The shop also does not possess a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Services department. Yet, it uses LPG cylinders and cooking is done right there on the pavement, allege residents. A little further away, the junk shop is another health hazard, as the pavement is littered with broken down fridges, air conditioners, batteries, pump sets and similar stuff which pose a risk. “Most of our children cannot even afford a good pair of slippers, and walk barefoot,” points out a teacher.

By far the biggest hindrance is the e-toilet, installed by Chennai Corporation on the other side of the school compound (Kamaraj Avenue School Road). At the time of the installation itself, a number of residents raised objections, but it was installed. The residents immediately submitted a petition to the Corporation Commissioner and the Mayor for the removal of the e-toilets, after which it was locked. The school, however, wants it removed. 

Activists and associations have given a complaint to CM grievance cell twice (in July and August) this year regarding these issues. They want permanent solutions. When contacted, Corporation officials said they had strictly instructed the encroachers to move out of the platform. “They oblige immediately but after a few days, they are back. We will try enforce stricter measures shortly so that the school children and residents are not affected,” said one of the officials. He also said that a decision regarding the e- toilet will be taken soon after the by elections are over.