Safety concerns mount as Zafferkhani school near forest lacks boundary wall, building is in disrepair

Kupwara, Oct 2: The Government Middle School in Zafferkhani village of Vilgam area in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district is facing serious infrastructural challenges, with a lack of a boundary wall and a deteriorating school building raising safety concerns for students and staff.

The school, which has an enrollment of 75 students and a staff of five teachers, is located adjacent to dense forest, prompting fears among parents of potential wild animal attacks.

“Our children are eager to study, but how can they focus when the school has no protection wall? Every day we worry about their safety until they return home,” said a local parent.

Another parent expressed concern over the building’s condition, noting, “Cracks in the walls and broken plaster make it unsafe. Authorities should intervene immediately before any untoward incident happens.”

Locals said they have submitted multiple representations to the Education Department over the past decade, requesting repairs to the building and construction of a boundary wall, but little progress has been made. They have once again urged authorities to act promptly to ensure the safety of the children.

Zonal Education Officer Vilgam, Manzoor Ahmad, confirmed that he has written to higher authorities regarding the issues and expressed hope that both the boundary wall and building repairs will be addressed soon.

The residents’ appeal underscores the urgent need for infrastructural improvements in remote schools to ensure a safe learning environment for children in forest-adjacent villages.