Chennai, October 24 — Tamil Nadu's school education department has directed schools across the state to inspect buildings, secure water storage facilities and remove stagnant rainwater as monsoon showers heighten concerns over student safety on campuses, IANS reported on Saturday.

Source: IANS via NewKerala

In a circular, the department instructed school heads and chief education officers to examine roofs, parapet walls and sunshades for leaks and damage. Unsafe buildings must be cordoned off, while the structural stability of overhead water tanks must be checked to prevent accidents, the circular said.

Heads of schools have also been asked to prepare an inventory of unused, ageing and severely damaged buildings that require demolition. They must coordinate with local bodies and inform the authorities concerned to expedite action. Village panchayats, town panchayats and municipalities should be alerted about dangerous structures, the public works department and the Collector's office must also be informed, and the necessary demolition approvals obtained on a war footing, the department said.

Roofs, parapets, sunshadesStructures to check for leaks and damage
Wells, tanks, septic tanksTo be secured with concrete or iron covers
Unsafe buildingsTo be cordoned off; demolition list to be prepared

Chief education officers have been directed to check open wells, underground water storage tanks, rainwater harvesting structures and septic tanks within school premises. These must be secured with concrete or iron covers to prevent students from accidentally falling into them. Schools where construction work is under way must barricade work sites and restrict access, and construction equipment must be kept beyond the reach of students, the circular said.

Source: Nation Press

The department has flagged rainwater stagnation and the condition of campus walls as areas requiring attention, noting that prolonged exposure to rain can leave walls damp and make it necessary to watch for signs of instability or possible collapse. An official with the Chennai chief education office said headmasters had been instructed to inspect walls, coordinate with local bodies over safety concerns, submit requests for replacement walls wherever necessary, and arrange to pump out rainwater where it accumulates on school grounds.

Source: Live Chennai