Two years after a landslide damaged their school building, 53 students at a Government Higher Secondary School in Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district continue to study in makeshift classrooms, with several forced to sit on the ground. Some classes are currently being held in a primary school, while others are conducted in a science laboratory and a veranda.
The school building was completely damaged in the 2024 disaster. Since then, classes have been conducted in makeshift arrangements, with different groups of students accommodated in the available spaces. The lack of adequate infrastructure and furniture has added to the difficulties faced by students and teachers.
Some classes are being held on the premises of a primary school, while others are conducted in the science laboratory and the veranda. With limited seating arrangements, several students have no option but to sit on the ground during lessons.
The situation has been particularly challenging for Class 10 students, who have to continue their studies despite the lack of proper classrooms and adequate seating facilities.
Speaking to India Today TV, Mahavir Singh, a Class 10 student at the school, said the building was damaged in the 2024 disaster and students had been attending classes at other locations since then. He added that the school did not have sufficient seating arrangements, causing difficulties for students.
The situation in Gewali also highlights the shortage of furniture in schools across Tehri Garhwal district. According to education officials, more than 6,500 pieces of furniture are required across the district to address shortages in various schools.
Sunil Singh Karki, Block Education Officer of Bhilangana, said furniture was available in schools, but shortages had emerged at some locations because existing furniture had been damaged.
He said a demand for 70 pieces of furniture had been raised for primary schools, while a requirement for more than 500 pieces had been submitted for secondary-level schools.
Tehri Chief Education Officer Kamala Bedwal said furniture was available in almost all schools across the district. However, a demand for approximately 6,500 pieces had been raised to meet the requirements of schools needing additional furniture.
Despite these requirements, students at the government school in Gewali continue to attend classes in temporary spaces, with many forced to sit on the ground because of the shortage of furniture.
The damaged school building and the makeshift classroom arrangements raise questions about when students will be able to return to a proper learning environment. For the 53 students enrolled at the school, the immediate concern remains access to adequate classrooms and seating facilities.
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(With inputs from Pankaj Bhatt)