Students Study Under Constant Fear as 141 Year Old Government School Building Falls Into Dangerous Condition

A government school with more than a century of history has become the centre of growing concern after its deteriorating building left students, teachers and parents worried about safety. Instead of focusing only on learning, children attending classes at the school are spending their days inside a structure that locals fear could become dangerous at any time.

The Government Higher Primary School at Harawad in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada district has been serving generations of students for nearly 141 years. However, the heritage building is now in an advanced state of decay. The roof has been severely damaged by termite infestation, while the mud walls have developed deep cracks, raising fears that parts of the structure could collapse without warning.

Recognising the risk, the head teacher has already locked several classrooms considered unsafe for use. As a temporary solution, multiple classes are now being conducted together in a single room. Even that classroom, however, is reportedly not in ideal condition, leaving staff with few options to ensure uninterrupted education.

The situation becomes even more worrying during the rainy season. Rainwater leaks through the walls and roof, making classrooms damp and uncomfortable. On windy days, the ageing building reportedly shakes, adding to the anxiety of students and teachers who spend hours inside the premises.

Parents say they are increasingly concerned about sending their children to school. Many reportedly visit the campus during the day simply to check whether their children are safe. School authorities admit that reassuring families has become one of their biggest challenges as the condition of the building continues to worsen.

According to Head Teacher Vanita Nayak, the school has repeatedly informed education department officials and local representatives about the dangerous condition of the building. Despite submitting several requests over the years, a permanent solution has yet to be implemented. As a result, the school continues to function in difficult circumstances.

Frustrated by the lack of action, parents and members of the local community have pooled their own funds to carry out minor repair work. While these temporary fixes have helped address a few immediate issues, they have not eliminated the larger structural risks facing the school.

The impact of the deteriorating infrastructure is also being reflected in student enrolment. School Development and Monitoring Committee President Vinod said the institution once had more than one hundred students but now has only around forty. Many families have chosen to admit their children elsewhere because they no longer feel confident about the safety of the ageing school building.

Residents believe the school represents an important part of the region’s educational history and deserves urgent attention. They are urging the authorities to either restore the historic structure with proper safety measures or construct a new building so that children can continue their education in a secure environment.

For the students of Harawad Government Higher Primary School, the immediate concern is no longer just academic success. Parents and teachers say providing a safe classroom has become the first priority, and they hope swift action will prevent a tragedy while preserving an institution that has educated generations of children.