Over 100 Dehradun govt schools flagged for unsafe infrastructure, students shifted

A districtwide inspection of government schools in Dehradun has flagged widespread infrastructure risks, with authorities identifying dozens of buildings that cannot be safely used and ordering immediate corrective action to protect students.

The review was initiated after District Magistrate Savin Bansal directed the Education Department to submit a comprehensive assessment of school infrastructure.

Officials said the survey covered 104 government school buildings, of which 96 were found to be either fully unsafe or only partly fit for use.

District officials said 79 buildings have been classified as completely unfit, including 13 secondary schools and 66 primary schools.

Students from these institutions have been shifted out of the unsafe premises, and no academic activity is being allowed in structures declared hazardous.

Temporary arrangements have already been finalized for 63 schools, while alternative facilities are being arranged for another 16 to ensure classes continue without interruption. Authorities said the remaining cases are being addressed as a priority.

Seventeen schools were identified as partially unsafe. In these cases, officials said only the most vulnerable sections of the buildings will be dismantled, and classrooms in structurally sound portions may continue to operate after safety clearance.

The Public Works Department carried out the technical evaluation and identified buildings that were either beyond repair or required urgent intervention.

Acting on its recommendations, the district administration approved ₹1 crore to fast-track demolitions and related safety work.

“Based on the assessment given by the Public Works Department regarding the unusable and partially unusable school buildings, an amount of ₹1 crore has been sanctioned so that there is no delay in demolition and necessary safety measures,” Bansal said.

Officials said eight buildings were ultimately found not to require demolition and will remain under regular monitoring. The administration stressed that student and staff safety remains the top priority throughout the process.

Parents and teachers have been informed about the changes, and officials said support mechanisms are in place for schools operating from temporary locations.

The district administration added that government school academic schedules in Dehradun are expected to continue smoothly as the infrastructure work progresses.