Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jul 11: Within one month of the onset of the monsoon, 83 schools in Dakshina Kannada have been damaged due to rain and high-velocity winds.

In Bantwal, 49 schools were damaged, while Ullal reported damage in 12 schools. Six schools in Mangaluru South and Beltangady, three schools in Puttur, one school in Sullia, two schools in Moodbidri, and four in Kadaba were also affected. No damage was reported in Mulky.

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Compound walls of some schools collapsed, while other schools experienced roof leaks and wall cracks. Some classrooms have already been demolished to avoid any danger during classes, and other classes have been closed down.

According to the Public Education Department, the loss is estimated to be around Rs 3 crore. The commissioner of the department instructed the schools to use the NDRF/SDRF funds to repair the damaged portions. The schools must submit a report in this regard to the DC, with the possibility of a grant being released, according to sources at the Public Education Department.

Eshwar, BEO of Mangaluru South, said, “A list of damaged schools has already been made. We will send the same to the Panchayat Raj Engineering Department. Once they provide the estimated cost of repair, the same will be sent to the Commissioner through DDPI for approval. Then the repair work will begin. If the damage is severe, NDRF/SDRF funds will be used.”