Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has also sanctioned Rs 2.49 crore from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for transformation of the Bahanaga High School, which was used as a make-shift mortuary during triple-train crash in Balasore district, under 5T initiative.
A portion of which has so far been demolished after being used as a morgue to keep bodies of people killed in the Balasore triple train crash.
The decision to raze the building was taken after the school managing committee (SMC) stated that the building was old and not safe, and that kids were reluctant to attend classes in the school where bodies were kept, officials said.
Guardians had also demanded the demolition of the building as photos of bodies being ferried to the school for identification by their families had been imprinted in the minds of children.
Based on the SMC’s decision and request by guardians and locals, Shri Patnaik held a meeting with senior government officials, including Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, and sanctioned the reconstruction of the institution, officials said.
The school reopened after summer vacations Wednesday, and classes were being held in the remaining portion of the school complex, they said.
A total of 287 bodies of people killed in the June 2 train accident were kept at the school, they added.
The local residents and teachers of the high school had spontaneously joined the rescue and relief operation soon after the horrific train accident that took place at Bahanaga on June 2 evening.
In recognition of the extraordinary service rendered by the teachers and locals for the noble cause and to further encourage them, the Chief Minister had directed that the Bahanaga High School be included in the 5T initiative for transformation.
Secretary to CM VK Pandian visited the school this afternoon.
Shri Pandian met the locals, parents, teachers and school management committee members at the Bahanaga high school.
At the time of the train accident, recalling that night, Pandian said that the way they spontaneously rushed to rescue people, set up lines for blood donation to save lives, was incomparable.
Expressing that they have brought praise for Odisha all over the country by showing the highest level of humanity, he said that the entire state is indebted to them.
Shri Pandian said that Bahanga Panchayat will be developed as a model Panchayat of the country. Stating that Bahanga High School will be converted in the 5T School Transformation Program, Pandian said that the Chief Minister has sanctioned Rs.2.49 crore for this.
He gave the Chief Minister’s approval letter to the District Collector. Commenting on the pleas of the people for various religious institutions in the region, he said that there will be good news within the next week. He said that the Chief Minister will take a decision in this regard very soon.
Secretary to CM, who is on a two-day visit to Balasore, reviewed the work of the primary school being built in Baghanga under the 5T School Transformation Program and directed officials to speed it up.
It is worth noting that this is the first primary school in the state in the 5T School Transformation Program.
He informed that the Chief Minister has sanctioned Rs. 128 crore in 5T initiatives for the conversion of 128 government higher secondary schools and colleges in Balasore district.
At Fakir Mohan Medical College in Remuna, Pandian met the staff of the college and the youth who donated blood during the disaster and praised them for their selfless service.
He also visited the famous Panchalingeshwara temple and discussed its improvement and beautification with the temple committee, local people and officials. He directed the District Collector to prepare a report and submit it.
Secretary to CM visited a Mission Shakti Cafe in Panchalingeswar to understand its management, food and other issues. He suggested to take the business forward by preparing food according to the demand of the people
He visited the construction work site of Shalandi Canal in Oupada block and discussed various aspects of this work with the departmental engineers and officials. According to the review, the construction of the canal will be completed by December this year.
