Chennai Schools Told to Fence Unsafe Structures, Drain Rainwater

Chennai, October 24: Schools across Tamil Nadu have been told to take immediate steps to make their premises safe, including draining rainwater that collects on school grounds. The instructions were issued by the School Education Department amid concerns over monsoon rains affecting school infrastructure.

The department's circular asks school principals and chief educational officers to inspect rooftops, parapet walls, and sunshades for leaks or damage. Any unsafe building should be fenced off to keep students and staff away from it. Water tanks must also be checked for strength to prevent mishaps.

Schools have been asked to make a list of unused, very old, or badly damaged buildings that need to be pulled down. Headmasters should work with local bodies and inform the relevant authorities so that action on these structures can be expedited.

The department has directed that local panchayats and municipal bodies be alerted about dangerous structures. It has also asked that the Public Works Department and the Collectorate be informed, and that the required demolition permissions be obtained promptly.

According to the circular, school administrations must identify potential hazards before they endanger children. The department pointed out that ongoing rain could worsen weaknesses already present in buildings, making this step all the more urgent.

An official from the Chennai chief educational office said headmasters have been directed to inspect campus walls, coordinate with local bodies on safety concerns, and send requests for wall replacement wherever required. Where rainwater collects on school grounds, principals have been asked to arrange for its removal. The circular also calls for coordination among school management, education officials, local bodies, and engineering departments to address risks on campuses. Headmasters, the department said, must not only carry out inspections but also take immediate follow-up action.