Schools ordered to inspect premises in Villupuram

Image used for representative purpose only.
| Photo Credit: S.S.Kumar

The Villupuram District Police has directed the management of all schools to carry out an inspection of all overhead water tanks, toilets and septic tanks in their premises to ensure that there are no safety hazards for students.

Schools have been asked to make sure there are no open or uncovered septic tanks, water storage tanks, overhead water tanks and ground-level water tanks that can endanger the lives of students. Schools have also been asked to check the toilets, compound walls and railings on the verandah of multi-storey buildings.

The move follows the death of a four-year-old girl after she fell into an uncovered septic tank on the premises of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Vikravandi on Friday (January 3, 2025) noon.

The lid of the septic tank in the school was barely covered and was completely rusted. The child went to the toilet and slipped and fell into the septic tank and died.

According to a police officer, schools have been instructed to check whether septic tanks are covered and to assess the safety of toilets, overhead water tanks, well, ground-level tanks, compound walls and railings on multi-storey buildings.

The school management should also ensure that the premises are cleared of waste and ensure that all basic precautions are taken to ensure safety, he said.