The Haryana government has ordered the demolition of 2,814 school buildings and rooms declared unsafe or condemned, following concerns raised over the condition of government school infrastructure in the state. The move comes weeks after the ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign highlighted poor conditions in public schools and raised questions about the safety of students.
According to officials of the Haryana School Education Department, the identified structures include entire school buildings as well as individual rooms that have deteriorated and are considered unfit for use. The demolition process has been directed to follow a fixed timeline.
The development has been described by campaign representatives as an important step towards improving the safety of children studying in government schools. However, the identification of thousands of unsafe structures has also drawn attention to the need for faster infrastructure upgrades and better maintenance of school buildings.
No Students Allowed in Unsafe or Condemned Structures
Education department officials have reportedly made it clear that students should not be allowed to attend classes in buildings or rooms that have been declared unsafe or condemned.
Until replacement buildings or classrooms are constructed, affected students are expected to be shifted to nearby government schools or other publicly owned buildings that are considered safe. The temporary arrangements are intended to ensure that students can continue their education without being exposed to unsafe structures.
Officials have also discussed the possibility of replacing some demolished structures with multi-storey or vertical school buildings. Such construction could help make better use of available land while potentially creating additional space for playgrounds and other facilities.
District Officials Given Greater Responsibility
To speed up the demolition process, district-level committees headed by Additional Deputy Commissioners have reportedly been given greater authority. These committees can identify and declare severely damaged rooms as condemned and arrange for the disposal or auction of demolition debris without seeking separate approval from senior officials for every individual case.
The move is aimed at reducing administrative delays and ensuring that unsafe structures are removed without unnecessary waiting.
Officials have also cautioned that delays in carrying out the demolition process or failure to utilise sanctioned funds could invite action. District authorities have therefore been asked to complete the necessary procedures within the prescribed timeline.
Why Are Old School Buildings Being Demolished?
Officials have pointed to the gradual deterioration of older school structures as one of the reasons behind the decision. In several schools, new classrooms were reportedly constructed over the years in available spaces while older rooms remained in place.
With time, some of these unused or poorly maintained structures became severely dilapidated. Their continued presence can create safety concerns, particularly for students and staff moving around school campuses.
The government’s decision is intended to remove such risks and create safer learning environments for children.
Waterlogging Adds to Haryana School Infrastructure Challenges
Apart from damaged buildings, waterlogging has also emerged as a significant concern in government schools across Haryana.
According to officials, 647 schools face seasonal waterlogging, while 53 schools have permanent waterlogging problems. Such conditions can affect access to schools, playgrounds and classrooms and may also damage school infrastructure over time.
District education officials have been asked to prepare revised estimates for the requirement of earth-filling material in affected schools. These proposals will be submitted to senior departmental authorities for consideration and approval of additional funds.
Government Focus on Safer School Infrastructure
The demolition order highlights the wider challenge of maintaining safe and functional infrastructure in government schools. Removing condemned structures is only one part of the process; affected schools will also require adequate classrooms, sanitation facilities, drainage, playgrounds and other basic infrastructure.
The proposed construction of new buildings, along with measures to address waterlogging, could help improve the overall learning environment if implemented effectively.
The Haryana government’s latest action follows growing attention on the physical condition of public schools. With 2,814 unsafe or condemned structures identified for demolition, the immediate priority will be to ensure that students are moved away from hazardous buildings and that replacement infrastructure is developed without prolonged delays.
The measures also underline the importance of regular safety inspections, timely maintenance and effective use of education infrastructure funds to prevent school buildings from reaching dangerous levels of deterioration.
