What Steps Will Kerala HC Take to Address Waterlogging in Kuttanad School?
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Synopsis
In a decisive move, the Kerala High Court has called for immediate action to tackle severe waterlogging at SNDP Higher Secondary School in Kuttanad. The court's intervention highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to ensure students' education is not disrupted.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala High Court's directive for immediate action on waterlogging.
- Involvement of multiple departments to address the issue.
- Upcoming review to assess progress.
- Potential investigation into similar problems at other schools.
- Appointment of an amicus curiae for assistance.
Kochi, July 31 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court has instructed the Alappuzha District Collector along with senior officials from various departments to swiftly tackle the persistent issue of waterlogging at SNDP Higher Secondary School in Kuttanad.
This directive was issued by the bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji while examining a suo motu PIL initiated following a letter from the school's teachers and students about the flooding situation disrupting classes.
The region falls under the jurisdiction of a local cooperative group (Samithi) engaged in collective farming.
During the proceedings, the court noted that the Kuttanad area is situated below sea level, leading to occasional flooding. The bench remarked, “This is unacceptable; measures must be taken. It cannot be accepted as a routine occurrence.”
The case is set to be reviewed on August 11, where a new action report will be presented by all involved parties.
On July 24, based on the earlier correspondence, the bench issued a temporary order instructing the District Collector to convene a joint meeting with relevant officials.
“The District Collector is to assemble a meeting with representatives from the Education and Agriculture Departments and a school representative to assess the situation and provide necessary directions to address the concerns raised by the students,”
the order stated, with the case scheduled for July 31 to present an action report.
The court also instructed the Collector to investigate whether other schools in the vicinity face similar issues and indicated that it might consider broader solutions for any additional schools affected.
Furthermore, the court decided to appoint an amicus curiae to assist in this matter and ordered that the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) be included as a respondent. The District Legal Services Authority is tasked with conducting a factual inquiry and informing the amicus, followed by filing a proper formatted petition with required requests.
Point of View
I believe the Kerala High Court's intervention is a crucial step towards addressing the infrastructural challenges faced by educational institutions in flood-prone areas. Ensuring safe learning environments should be a priority for authorities, and proactive measures are essential for the well-being of students.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Kerala High Court's intervention in Kuttanad?
The court's intervention was prompted by a letter from teachers and students about severe waterlogging disrupting classes at SNDP Higher Secondary School.
What actions has the Kerala High Court directed?
The court has directed the Alappuzha District Collector and other officials to take immediate action to address the waterlogging issue.
When is the next court review scheduled?
The next court review is scheduled for August 11, where a new action report will be submitted.
What broader issues might the court address?
The court may explore similar waterlogging issues affecting other schools in the area and consider long-term solutions.
Who will assist the court in this matter?
An amicus curiae will be appointed to assist the court, alongside the involvement of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority.
