Mumbai: In a shocking case of negligence, a BMC-run primary school in Kurla is already falling apart just one year after a massive repair project worth Rs 2.80 crore. The Ganesh Baugh School, which was meant to be a model of modern infrastructure, is now showing severe signs of decay, raising serious doubts about the quality of work supervised by the country’s richest municipality.
The renovation, which took place between 2024 and 2025, was supposed to be a comprehensive overhaul. It included structural reinforcements, new waterproofing, complete reconstruction of toilet blocks, and modern electrical wiring. However, the reality on the ground today is starkly different. The tin roof has developed major leaks, forcing the school staff to abandon classrooms on the upper floor to keep students safe. Furthermore, the toilets are already damaged, and the main school gates are allegedly being held up by nothing more than nails, posing a dangerous risk to the children and staff.
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The issue was recently brought to light by NCP Standing Committee member Dr. Saeeda Khan. During a meeting, she pointed out that almost every corner of the school building is now in a hazardous condition. She highlighted that even the covers for underground areas are not secured, and electrical boards are improperly placed, making the environment unsafe for young students. The irony is sharp: while the BMC claims to spend over Rs 1 lakh on every student annually, the very building meant to nurture them is failing.
This case has sparked fresh questions about accountability, especially as the BMC is currently planning to spend over Rs 400 crore on further school repairs and rebuilding projects. Critics argue that if such a large investment yields such poor results in just twelve months, the entire process of monitoring and construction quality needs a complete scrutiny. The administration has been asked to submit a detailed report, but for parents and students, the damage is already visible.
As the authorities scramble to investigate this lapse, we are left with a pressing concern. If a recently renovated building can collapse into disrepair so quickly, what is the true state of the heavy repairs being done elsewhere, and what will happen to the infrastructures that are currently awaiting their turn for a repair?