Mangaluru: 304 Rain-Damaged Government Schools Face Repair Delays Amid Looming Monsoon
In Dakshina Kannada district, a critical situation is unfolding as 304 government schools, severely damaged by heavy rains, await essential repairs. With the monsoon season drawing near, funds totaling Rs 7.1 crore for restoration have yet to be sanctioned, raising urgent concerns over student safety and school readiness for the upcoming academic year.
Proposal Submitted but Approval Pending
Officials have confirmed that a detailed proposal seeking Rs 7.1 crore for repair works has been formally submitted to the relevant authorities. However, approval remains pending, creating a bottleneck that could jeopardize the timely completion of necessary renovations. The delay is particularly alarming given that only about two months remain before schools are scheduled to reopen.
Extensive Damage Recorded Across District
According to officials handling school infrastructure and repairs, the damage was meticulously recorded during the 2025-26 academic year following intense showers that affected numerous school buildings throughout the district. A consolidated report highlighting the issues was promptly sent to the Deputy Commissioner's office, as repair initiatives are typically undertaken before the commencement of a new academic session.
Most of the reported damage involves critical structural components:
- Roofs compromised by water leakage and collapse risks
- Walls showing cracks and erosion from moisture
- Windows and doors damaged, affecting security and insulation
These conditions make immediate repairs not just desirable but essential to ensure a safe learning environment.
Urgent Attention Required to Prevent Further Risks
A senior official emphasized that the schools require urgent attention, warning that any delay in fund allocation could leave many campuses vulnerable during the impending heavy rains. The concern is especially grave in areas where structural damage might compromise the safe functioning of classrooms, potentially endangering students and staff.
District Administration's Response and Timeline
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV stated that the district administration has already forwarded the proposal seeking the necessary funds. The request also encompasses rain-damaged anganwadis in the district, broadening the scope of needed interventions.
"The administration expects funds to be released by the end of April and hopes to complete the repair work before the start of the academic year," Darshan said, outlining an optimistic yet tight timeline for action.
Areas Most Affected by the Damage
Darshan further noted that the highest number of damaged schools has been reported from key taluks, including:
- Belthangady
- Puttur
- Mangaluru
These regions are now at the forefront of the repair urgency, with local communities anxiously awaiting resolution to ensure educational continuity and safety.
