02/09/2026
Classes Under Tarpaulin as Rain Leaves 130 Students in Distress
PANSKURA, PURBA MEDINIPUR: Students of the 115-year-old Baharpota No. 1 Primary School in Panskura are being forced to attend classes under tarpaulins amid heavy rain, while teachers are reportedly taking lessons even as they get drenched.
The government primary school, which has around 130 students, has been facing severe difficulties after nearly 70% of its building was demolished last Saturday following a Calcutta High Court directive, according to school authorities.
The demolition also resulted in the removal of the students’ toilets and the school’s water submersible pump, leaving the children without basic sanitation and adequate drinking-water facilities.
According to information available, the school premises had been provided for educational purposes around a century ago. After nearly 100 years, local resident Asit Kumar Manna reportedly claimed rights over the land and approached the court seeking its return.
Following the court’s direction, a major portion of the school building was demolished. The ongoing rain has now aggravated the situation, with students having to sit amid mud and water under makeshift tarpaulin shelters.
Teachers said they were helpless under the circumstances and that conducting classes in the rain was extremely difficult, particularly with the safety and comfort of the students in mind.
The Mid-Day Meal workers are also facing difficulties in preparing food due to the lack of proper facilities. Drinking water for the students is reportedly being carried from a considerable distance.
With the monsoon continuing, the school authorities are worried about how regular academic activities will be maintained in the coming days. Parents and local residents have urged the administration to immediately arrange temporary classrooms, toilets, drinking water and other essential facilities for the students.
