Locals seek immediate reconstruction of damaged boundary walls of two Pulwama schools
September 2025 Deluge
Pulwama: The boundary walls of two government schools located along the Nalla Sasa Ara in Tenghar and Mugalpora villages of Pulwama district remain in a damaged condition nearly two months after the September floods wreaked havoc in the area.
Locals are now appealing to the administration to expedite reconstruction before March when schools will reopen after winter vacations as it puts the safety of students at risk.
The twin schools — Government Middle School Tenghar and Government Primary School Mugalpora — suffered substantial damage when floodwaters from the swollen Nalla Sasa Ara breached the embankments in early September.
The force of the water washed away large sections of the boundary walls, leaving the school premises exposed.
Residents say the damage poses a dual threat: unsafe surroundings for schoolchildren and increased vulnerability to future floods.
“We are very worried. The school boundary wall has collapsed at several spots, and children often play near the damaged area. God forbid, even a small rise in water level could put them in danger,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Tenghar.
Locals added that with winter setting in and spring only few months away, delaying reconstruction could worsen the situation.
“The administration did visit after the floods, but so far nothing concrete has happened. We fear that if the walls are not rebuilt before March, it can cause more damage in the rainy spring that will put students’ lives at stake ” said Ghulam Nabi, a parent from Mugalpora. “Our children’s safety should be a priority.”
Teachers of the affected schools echoed similar concerns. One staff member, wishing not to be named, said, “The absence of boundary walls makes it difficult for us to ensure discipline and safety. Stray animals enter the premises, and children can easily wander toward the stream.”
Locals have urged the district administration and the education department to take up the reconstruction work on priority, highlighting that these schools cater to hundreds of students from nearby hamlets.
People of both villages appealed to authorities to sanction funds immediately and complete the work well before the onset of the academic session in March warning that prolonged delay might endanger lives and disrupt education.
