Primary school in Bohrihalan Shopian functioning in dilapidated building
Students forced to study in unsafe conditions; lack of boundary wall and proper access road adds to woes
Shopian: In a glaring example of infrastructural neglect, the Government Primary School in Borihalan village of South Kashmir’s Shopian district is struggling to function amid severely dilapidated conditions, putting the safety and future of its students at risk.
Located merely eight kilometers from the district headquarters, the school paints a troubling picture that sharply contrasts with the broader narrative of development and digital advancement.
The building, locals say, is on the verge of collapse, with cracked walls, damaged roofing, and unsafe classrooms making it hazardous for children to attend daily classes.
Residents of the area expressed deep concern over the condition of the school, stating that despite repeated appeals to the authorities, no concrete steps have been taken to address the issues.
“This school has become dangerous for our children. We send them here with constant fear. At any moment, something tragic could happen due to the condition of the building,” said a local resident.
Adding to the problem is the absence of a boundary wall around the school premises. Locals said this has exposed students to frequent threats from stray and wild animals, especially during early morning hours.
“There is no fencing or boundary wall. Children remain vulnerable to attacks by animals. It is shocking that such basic safety measures are missing,” said another villager.
The lack of proper accessibility has further compounded the situation. The school is not connected by a proper pathway, forcing students to walk through muddy and slippery tracks, particularly during rainy days, leading to frequent absenteeism and inconvenience.
“Our children have to walk through mud to reach the school. Their clothes and shoes get dirty, and sometimes they even fall. This discourages them from attending classes regularly,” said a parent.
Locals also pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that while the government promotes initiatives like “Digital India” and smart classrooms, basic infrastructure remains neglected in villages like Borihalan.
“It is unfortunate that in today’s time, when education is being digitized, our children don’t even have a safe building to sit in. Development seems to have bypassed our village,” a resident said.
The villagers have urged the district administration to take immediate notice of the issue and initiate necessary measures, including reconstruction of the school building, construction of a boundary wall, and development of a proper access road.
