Flood Aftermath / Classes resume in Ganjam but flood ravaged school lies in ruins

Brahmapur, Nov 9: As floodwaters recede and normalcy gradually returns to Ganjam district, two contrasting pictures of the education system have emerged.

While students in some areas have finally returned to classrooms after weeks of disruption, others are still struggling to continue their education due to severe damage caused by the recent floods.

The devastating floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab and days of incessant rainfall had severely affected schools across the district. Waterlogging and thick layers of mud forced educational institutions to remain closed, disrupting learning for thousands of students.

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According to official estimates, 122 schools across Ganjam district were affected by the floods, including 22 schools in the Purushottampur area.

However, with water levels receding and cleanup efforts progressing, schools in many locations reopened following directions from the district administration.

The return of students to classrooms has brought back the familiar sounds of learning and laughter, offering hope that normal academic activities can resume soon.

Yet the situation remains grim in several flood-hit villages.

One such example is the Primary School at Bhetasingi village in Kabisuryanagar block, which suffered extensive damage during the flood.

The school's boundary wall and classrooms have been severely damaged, while large quantities of mud continue to cover the premises. With the infrastructure rendered unsafe, students are unable to attend classes in their own school building.

As a temporary measure, around 20 to 22 students from the affected school are now attending classes at a nearby Anganwadi centre. However, the arrangement has created new challenges.

The Anganwadi centre already accommodates children enrolled in pre-school and early childhood education programmes, leading to space constraints and concerns over the quality of learning.