School threatens to return Rs 45 lakh compensation, DC appeals for cooperation

ES Reporter

 

ITANAGAR, Aug 26:

The eviction of structures within Right of Way of NH-415 for 4 lane Highway which began from Chandranagar area on Thursday has run into troubled waters as the proposed demolition of few structures of Government Secondary School P-Sector, Itanagar is causing hue and cry among the school authority including students.

A total of 4 buildings, totalling eight rooms including the Headmasters office are facing demolition under the city’s four-lane road expansion project.

 

In this regard an emergency meeting of the school authority and area councillor, Gora Lothak was held on Saturday to discuss the issue.

 

Expressing strong objection, Lothak said that earlier when the first survey was conducted then highway authority had put their final measurement to 15metres from the Right of Way (RoW) and subsequently a structure marking the measurement had also been erected outside the school boundary wall.

 

But in the new survey, the measurement is inside the school wall and within the radius, four buildings, 6 classrooms including the headmaster’s and SBSE room are included, he added.

Lothak alleged that the latest measurement is more than 30 meters from the RoW whereas the government had ordered not to take more than 12 metres from RoW for widening.

 

Terming the new development as unexpected, the councillor lamented that the school is providing education to more than 1100 students and pulling down their classrooms will deprive children of their right to education.

A meeting was convened earlier, wherein parents along with school authority have also expressed strong objection over the new development.

 

A complaint letter has also been submitted to Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar Capital Complex requesting him to draw necessary directives at the earliest, but no action has been taken so far from the administration side, he alleged.

Lotak went on to add that the school authority is ready to give back the compensation amount of Rs 45 lakh and would resort to democratic means of protest to protect the infrastructure of the school if needed.

 

 

Meanwhile when contacted, DC Prince Dhawan disclosed that the assessment of RCC boundary wall, CC platform, boulder wall, two SPT building and RCC water tank had been already done by the district administration.

 

DC added that compensation to the tune of Rs 45 lakh has been awarded to the Education Department for construction of two new classrooms for the said school.

However, DC asserted that DDSE Capital Complex has been directed to make required arrangement to ensure that education and regular classes are not disturbed in anyway. Even Secretary Education has assured of his full support in this regard, he added.

Furthermore DC made a fervent appeal to the school children, parents and school authority to cooperate with the district administration as well as with the Education Department.

Echoing the same sentiment, the All Papum Pare District Students Union (APPDSU) has also condemned the illegal move and appealed to the district administration to take necessary action taking into account the welfare of students.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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