Anandapur: Founded during the British era, BN High School is the oldest educational institution in this sub-division of Keonjhar district.
But these days the school faces total neglect, thanks to the apathy of the administration, locals said.
The school building itself is a standing testimony to what the locals said. Weeds and bushes have nearly covered the school premises, including a large portion of the boundary wall. The bushes contain poisonous reptiles, creating fear among parents and students.
“A dead tree stands in front of the school. The damage the tree can cause if it falls during school hours can be imagined,” the villagers said.
Locals said the beehives on the building’s roof also pose a threat to students.
Sources said 2016-17 and 2017-18, around Rs 1 crore had been reportedly spent by the housing and urban development department for repairing the school building.
But from the looks of the building it is difficult to imagine that any thought has been given to repair the building since ages.
Parents and local residents had raised the school’s condition with the school management committee and teachers, but to no avail.
They have urged the administration to take steps to get back the lost sheen of the school.
School management committee chairman Nirakar Dalei admitted that the school is surrounded by garbage dumps and bushes and shrubs are growing on the premises.
“The debris generated by construction works was dumped near the school. We have discussed this with the headmaster, but he blamed staff shortage for the problem,” said Dalei.
PNN