Water stagnation in schools raises level of concern

Following the rains, flooding of streets has become a common feature in many parts of the city, including schools. Worried over the possibility of mosquitoes breeding on the water, and related health hazards, parents are worried about sending their children to school. “There is a fear of dengue and children are anyway vulnerable during monsoon. We are worried that our children will fall sick if the school premises are not cleaned properly before the school reopens,” says Archana S, mother of a seven-year-old. 

Parents have also reached out to the school authorities with their concerns. Rajakumar, PTA member of a school in Vepery says, “We called the Principal of the school and they have assured that the water will be cleared from the campus before they reopen. We were also told that they have made arrangements for fogging operations  on the evening before the school reopens, to ensure that there is no room for error.” 

After the dengue outbreak in many parts of the city, several awareness campaigns were organised in many parts of the city. Government officials say that they have taken the all necessary measures. “It has been communicated to all school heads in the city, including CBSE schools, to ensure that no water accumulates in and around the schools. They have also informed to ensure that there is no room for breeding of mosquitoes,” says a top school education official.