Delhi identifies 108 government school buildings as unsafe, structural audits ordered

The Delhi government has identified 108 government school buildings across the capital as unsafe, accounting for roughly one-tenth of all such schools. Officials have ordered structural audits to assess the need for demolition and reconstruction.

Of these, 54 school buildings are in very poor condition, with cracks in walls and ceilings. Seven buildings have already been approved for demolition, with action expected in the coming months. The matter was discussed in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who directed the Education department and the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite structural audits of all school buildings to prevent any untoward incidents.

According to an official document, of the 108 schools, demolition proposals are under process for 54. For 14 proposals, structural audit and survey reports are awaited from the PWD. Seven schools have received approval from the Lieutenant Governor for demolition. These seven are: CM SHRI School, Chilla Village; Government Girls Senior Secondary School (GGSSS), Jasola Village; Sarvodya Kanya Vidyala, Karala; Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Baprola; SKV Matiala; GGSSS, Neb Sarai; and GGSSS, Shivaji Park.

Officials said that many of these buildings are 30-40 years old and have deteriorated significantly. In some schools, students and teachers struggle to sit and study due to leaking roofs, cracked walls, and poor sanitation facilities. The Directorate of Education is also conducting a comprehensive digital profiling of all government school buildings to assess structural stability, electrical systems, plumbing, and fire safety.

The PWD will execute the demolition and reconstruction in phases. In the first phase, 54 school buildings will be taken up. To minimise disruption to students, the government may shift them to nearby schools or carry out demolition block-wise and at night. The government aims to ensure that education continues uninterrupted during the process.