Crisis at Bhatapura School: Students Face Unsafe Conditions Amid Neglect

The Bhatapura Government Upgraded Upper Primary School in Sambalpur district is facing a severe infrastructure crisis, with students studying in unsafe classrooms and lacking basic sanitation facilities. With reports of contaminated drinking water and incomplete toilet facilities, the situation has raised significant concerns among parents and school officials. Despite multiple complaints to local authorities, no action has been taken to address these pressing issues. Headmaster Dhaniram Behera and School Management Committee president Durga Sethi are advocating for urgent repairs, but promises from officials have yet to materialize. This article delves into the challenges faced by students and the urgent need for intervention.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 3, 2026, 18:28 IST

Unsafe Learning Environment at Bhatapura Government School

By RABINDRA PRASAD DANI

Jamankira: At the Bhatapura Government Upgraded Upper Primary School located in the Dimirimunda panchayat of Sambalpur district, students are grappling with poor infrastructure that includes unsafe classrooms, incomplete sanitation facilities, and contaminated drinking water.

The school caters to 162 students from Sishu Vatika through Class VIII.

Out of the six classrooms available, two are in a state of complete disrepair, while the remaining rooms show significant cracks in their walls.

Hanging broken asbestos sheets from the ceiling present a serious risk, prompting school officials to cease using these unsafe areas.

Consequently, students from nine different classes are now crammed into just four functioning rooms.

Sanitation issues are also alarming.

A toilet project approved by the panchayat, costing Rs 50,000, remains unfinished, and the existing toilet is no longer usable.

During rainy seasons, water accumulates knee-deep in front of the toilet, complicating access.

This situation particularly affects female students, who are forced to find alternative places to relieve themselves.

Moreover, the school lacks access to safe drinking water.

Water from the hand pump reportedly appears yellow, raising serious hygiene concerns and increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses.

Headmaster Dhaniram Behera noted that the school, established in 1961, has seen little improvement in its infrastructure over the decades.

He emphasized the urgent need for repairs and upgrades.

Durga Sethi, president of the School Management Committee, mentioned that multiple complaints have been lodged with both the Block Education Officer (BEO) and the Block Development Officer (BDO).

He also attended a public grievance session with the District Collector alongside the sarpanch.

Sethi stated that BDO Rabindra Kumar Sethi visited the school two months ago and promised action, but no progress has been made.

Debaki Naik, the Additional Block Education Officer, confirmed that a complaint has been received and assured that the issues will be addressed promptly.

Sambalpur DEO Lakshman Bhoi acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and promised a permanent resolution soon.