Lucknow: Taking note of structural and non-structural safety hazards in schools across Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad high court’s Lucknow bench has observed that the safety of thousands of children is at risk as nearly 4,000 schools have high-tension electricity lines passing over their premises.The bench noted that incidents of such lines falling within school campuses have been reported, posing a potential threat to students’ lives.A bench of Justice Alok Mathur and Justice Brij Raj Singh, hearing a PIL filed by Gomti River Bank Residents Welfare Association on student safety issues, directed that the managing director of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) be impleaded as a party. The additional advocate general was asked to communicate the order to the competent authority so the corporation’s response could be placed before the court at the next hearing.The court also expressed concern that despite ongoing proceedings on school infrastructure, reports of dilapidated buildings collapsing continue. It was informed that the entire building of Samari Primary School in Jaunpur district collapsed, though no children were present as the school was closed. The bench was also told about the death of an eight-year-old child after a heavy iron gate collapsed at a school campus run by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Lucknow.School transport safety was also scrutinised following reports of sexual abuse of minors by bus and van drivers.Transport department data presented to the court showed that of 2,370 school vehicle drivers, 527 received adverse reports during police verification under ‘Mission Bharosa’. Lawyers suggested appointing women drivers for school vans where feasible; the additional advocate general said he would seek govt directions.The court was informed that Rule 222(B) of Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules allows safety conditions to be built into licences or agreements with private operators, and that schools should ensure proper verification of drivers.Lucknow Police proposed CCTV cameras at school entrances for real-time monitoring; the court sought details and costs. A preliminary report on traffic marshal deployment in Lucknow schools was taken on record. The amicus curiae said a school safety SOP was at a final stage and would be filed at the next hearing.
