Schools in Ganjam to open after Oct 29

Brahmapur, Oct 19:

Though schools across Odisha reopened today after puja vacation, the district authorities of Ganjam – the worst-hit in cyclone Phailin – today decided to suspend classes till October 29, official sources said.

“We have decided to suspend classes for a week following the request made by the Collector of Ganjam district,” said commissioner-cum-secretary, School and Mass Education department, Usha Padhee.

The electricity and drinking water facilities are yet to be resumed in the district, while debris are still lying in some of the school campuses.

“In view of the prevailing condition, we have deferred conduct of the classes though teachers will join schools from today,” Ms Padhee said, adding that the teachers will monitor restoration work in their respective schools.

More than 300 of the 625 high schools and around 1,300 out of 3,000-odd upper primary schools in the district have been affected in the cyclonic storm which struck the Ganjam coast on October 12 night, according to the preliminary report of the district administration.

“The number of schools affected in the district is likely to be more, which can be known only after the real assessment,” District Education Officer (DEO) Santosh Kumar Patra said.

While electricity and drinking water supply has been disrupted, several school buildings have crumbled in the devastating cyclonic storm, sources said.

The extent of loss incurred in the School and Mass Education department in the district due to the calamity is being assessed, sources said. (PTI)