Bridge, new anganwadi building is what they demand

When they are busy decorating the Anganwadi walls with their drawings and alphabet charts little are they aware that the same walls which have cracked precariously may come crashing on them any day in near future.

The building which houses  12 children below the age of five has developed deep cracks on the wall through which water seeps in with every rain. The doors have been eaten by termites and the cracks on the floor are a perfect doorway for ants making it extremely difficult for the children to sit.

Speaking to Deccan Herald,  Anganwadi Teacher Ranjini said that most of the time they are forced to sprinkle DDTE on the floor. “Using DDTE is dangerous especially when children of this age are around as they touch the floor and put their hands in their mouth but on the other hand we have to protect them from ant bites too,” she says and adds that all the books in the Anganwadi have spoilt due to moisture.

Gram Panchayat Member Celine Saldanha informed that the issue has been raised during every Gram Sabha. A notice has also been sent to Taluk and Zilla Panchayat. “We do not want temporary repairs as they do not last for long. We want the entire building to be reconstructed. The foundation of the building itself has sunk,” she says stressing on immediate measures to be taken as life of the children is at risk.

Responding to the issue, Dakshina Kannada Women and Child Welfare Development Deputy Director A Shakuntala promised immediate action.

“I shall send people to inspect the condition of the building and try to shift the children immediately. The Gram Panchayat has requested for a new building but this demand may not be fulfilled soon due to dearth of funds. However, I will discuss the issue over with Child Development Programme Officer and also put forth the demand for the new building,” she added.

No bridge

Celine Saldanha informed that there is no connecting bridge between Kumplottu in Neermarga and Merlapadavu making it impossible for vehicles to travel to these places. The only access is a small footbridge. The people residing here are forced to go by walk and incase of medical emergencies the person has to be carried literally.

“We have sent our proposal to Zilla Panchayat. We have gone to ministers and have received assurances but no action has been taken till date,” she regrets.

Zilla Panchayat Executive Engineer Sathyanarayana informed that he has received the proposal.

 “We need Rs 25 lakhs for this connecting bridge. The decision has to be taken by ministers and ZP members. At present this work is not included in the action plan. I shall try to push this issue in the forth coming action plan,” he said.