Bhandaripokhari: After the recent road mishap at Ranital in Bhadrak in which five school children were run over by a truck the safety of kids studying in schools along NH-16 has become a cause of concern for teachers and guardians here.
There are 17 government and private schools along NH-16, particularly from Akhuapada to Chingudipur in Bhandaripokhari block. There are two colleges too by the side of the highway. Around 4,000 children pedal their way or cross the NH to their schools daily.
Reckless driving and heavy traffic have made these students vulnerable, a concern which has been nagging teachers, children and their guardians.
The Barikpur Nodal High School, Jagannath Nodal School of Jagannathpur, Haramanai Girls’ High School of Bhandaripokhari, Bhandaripokhari Nodal High School, Akhuapada UGUP School, Sasan Primary School of Kaharapokhari, Puripada High School, Sarojini Nanda UP (ME) School, Subarnamukha Nodal High School, Kaharapokhari Prabhakar Mohanty High School, Bhandaripokhari Sarada Bidyamandir, JN Public School, ASVG Ashram School of Bishnupur and Saraswati Sishu Mandir of Baghamara are located along NH-16. Two colleges are functioning at Bhandaripokhari and Barikpur.
Locals alleged that NHAI has not put any warning signs anywhere along the highway near schools. They said there is need for safety measures for the children.
Principal of Barikpur Junior College, Bipin Bihari Patra said, “There is need for warning signs, speed breakers, a light signal system and traffic control on NH-16 at Barikpur to check reckless driving.”
Block education officer Deepak Kumar Padhi said safety committees have been formed in schools to make children aware of the need to move carefully in the area and the RTO has been asked to ensure that vehicles move slowly in those areas.
Saratchandra Mohaptra, principal of Sarada Bidyamandir, observed that when the NH was expanded, there was demand for an underpass or service road, but NHAI did not pay heed to this demand. The lives of children crossing the road are at risk, he added.
IIC Amit Kumar Biswal said three banks have been asked to donate speed breaker warning boards near the schools.
Ramakanta Lenka, headmaster of Bhandaripokhari Nodal School, said the Collector had a meeting and the administration is taking measures in this direction. The students are also being made aware of their safety, he added.
