Around 700 relocated kids are now struggling in strange institutions after plans to reconstruct a popular municipal school in Lalbaug were put on hold because of structural issues with the tall pillars of a nearby monorail station.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been informed that the piling work for the proposed new school building could potentially damage the pillars of the Mint Colony Monorail Station. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which operates the Mumbai Monorail, has raised objections, delaying reconstruction efforts.
Before it was closed during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the six-story Sai Baba Path School, which educated elementary and secondary schoolchildren, was a vital educational hub for the neighbourhood. The structure, which was already deteriorating, was further weakened when an oxygen cylinder exploded and sparked a fire. The building was temporarily used to store medical supplies. As a result, last year the BMC made the decision to tear down and rebuild the school.
Following the closure, approximately 700 students were relocated to municipal schools in Parmanand Wadi and Peru Compound. However, parents argue that these alternative schools are too distant for local children, and they have persistently urged the BMC and political leaders to reopen Sai Baba Path School.
Parents and locals have also questioned the MMRDA’s position, pointing out that private structures have been built surrounding the monorail without any issues. They complain about what they consider to be unfair treatment. According to Sandesh Ayre, “When the monorail was being built, objections from locals were ignored. Now, they are preventing the reconstruction of an essential school.”
Ayre also emphasised the school’s significance to the Lalbaug community. “In the past, so many parents applied for admission that they needed recommendations from political leaders. The school had a strong academic and extracurricular record, which led the BMC to introduce an English-medium section. Now, all of that is lost,” he lamented.
Students relocated to Peru Compound have voiced concerns about overcrowding. A Class 9 student reported, “We only have three classrooms for Classes 7 to 10. As a result, two classes are merged, with over 70 students crammed into a room meant for 39. It’s very difficult to study in these conditions.”
A Class 10 student expressed sadness over losing friends due to the relocation. “When our school shut down, many of my friends transferred to private schools.”
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Prachi Jambhekar confirmed the MMRDA’s objections but assured that a resolution had been found. “After MMRDA raised their concerns, we consulted IIT-Bombay and VJTI. VJTI proposed a feasible solution, though it requires increased costs. The necessary approvals have been secured, and construction will commence soon,” Jambhekar stated.
Source: Hindustan Times
