Unsafe School Building in Doda Triggers Probe; CEO Orders Inquiry

DODA, Aug 5: The Jammu and Kashmir Education Department has ordered an inquiry into alleged safety lapses at Government Primary School Arnora Ghat in Doda district following reports of cracked classrooms, poor sanitation and non-functional toilets. Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bhushan Kumar Pathak directed the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) to conduct an on-site inspection and submit a detailed report on the condition of the school building and infrastructure. Pathak said strict action would be taken if any negligence or violation of safety norms is found. “To verify these claims, I have directed the ZEO to inspect the school and submit a comprehensive report. Following the recent rains, all ZEOs were instructed to ensure schools reopen only after obtaining building safety certificates. Any lapses identified during the inquiry will be dealt with appropriately,” he said. The CEO noted that the district education department had already issued instructions after the recent spell of heavy rainfall, directing all educational institutions to resume classes only after structural safety had been certified to prevent accidents caused by weather-related damage. Meanwhile, incessant rainfall and landslides over the past 20 days have severely affected normal life in parts of Rajouri district, particularly in the Ghambir Mughlan area of Manjakote, where roads, public infrastructure and residential properties have suffered extensive damage. The Manjakote–Thanamandi road continues to face repeated disruptions due to fresh landslides despite restoration efforts by the Public Works Department (PWD), which has deployed JCB machines to clear the debris. Government Higher Secondary School Headmaster Mohd Azad said the damaged road has made it difficult for students and staff to reach the school. “There are several potholes and the road has been badly damaged. We urge the administration to repair it at the earliest, as children are facing immense hardship. Overflowing drains have further worsened the situation, making it difficult for both students and staff to function normally,” he said.