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Preparation Underway to Rebuild 34 Government School Buildings
The Delhi government is taking a major step to improve safety and basic facilities in government schools across the city. According to an official, 34 government schools with infrastructure and safety-related concerns have been identified. These school buildings will be demolished in phases and replaced with new buildings.
Work related to demolition and construction has already started at 16 schools, while nine cases have received approval. Some schools have waterlogging issues, while others have safety concerns. Some schools are also located at sites considered unsuitable for students.
Around ₹900 Crore to Be Spent on 27 New School Buildings
The 27 new government school buildings will be constructed on vacant plots across Delhi. The projects are estimated to cost around ₹900 crore and are expected to be completed within approximately 18 months, according to officials.
For faster construction and better monitoring, the 27 construction sites have been divided into five geographical clusters. This will help authorities monitor construction activities and review the progress of projects across different areas in a more organised manner.
Digital Profiling of 1,090 Government Schools Completed
The official said the decision to demolish the 34 schools was taken after the completion of digital profiling of all 1,090 government schools in Delhi. The objective of the profiling was to conduct a detailed assessment of infrastructure, safety arrangements and essential facilities available at each school.
The Education Department is now analysing the data collected through the profiling exercise. Based on the assessment, authorities will identify schools requiring repairs, retrofitting, safety improvements or new construction.
Detailed Record of School Facilities Prepared
As part of the digital profiling exercise, detailed documentation of school classrooms and building assets has been carried out. The records include information on sanitation, drinking water facilities, safety arrangements, furniture, digital infrastructure, kitchens and laboratories.
The objective is not only to record the existing condition of school buildings but also to use the data to plan future repair, construction and infrastructure improvement requirements. This is expected to support better budget planning and development programmes for schools.
Digital Records Created Through 360-Degree Imaging
Modern technology is also being used to assess school buildings. Every room in the schools has been digitised through 360-degree imaging, creating a permanent digital record of each school building.
The digital records can be used for virtual walkthroughs, making it easier for officials to inspect school premises, identify problems and take decisions related to construction and repair work.
Drone and GIS Technology to Support Monitoring
Drone surveys, high-resolution orthomosaic images and GIS-based technology are being used for planning, budgeting and monitoring future school construction and repair projects.
These technologies will provide detailed information about school buildings and their surrounding areas. This can help authorities monitor construction progress and implement infrastructure plans more accurately.
Scientific Assessment to Check Structural Strength
Special teams are conducting visual inspections and non-destructive tests to assess the structural strength of school buildings. These tests help evaluate the condition and strength of buildings without causing damage to the structures.
The assessment includes technologies such as ultrasonic pulse tests and rebound hammer tests. Based on the scientific evaluation, school buildings will be placed into different categories, including those to be retained, repaired, retrofitted or demolished completely.
Bids Invited for Construction of 27 New Government Schools
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has invited bids from Central Government Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for the turnkey construction of 27 new government school buildings. A Project Management Consultant-cum-EPC agency will be appointed for these projects.
The agency will be responsible for planning, executing and monitoring the construction of the new school buildings. Dividing the construction sites into five clusters is aimed at speeding up project execution and making monitoring across different areas easier.
Focus on Safer and Modern School Infrastructure
The Delhi government’s initiative is aimed at strengthening safety, basic facilities and infrastructure required for modern education in government schools. The data collected through the digital profiling of 1,090 schools can be used for future repair, reconstruction and school development plans.
The construction of 27 new school buildings and the reconstruction of 34 existing buildings is expected to create a safer and better learning environment for students. At the same time, the use of digital surveys, GIS, drones and scientific building assessments is expected to make school infrastructure planning and monitoring more data-driven and systematic.
