A roofless classroom at Mithapur Farm Primary School. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, May 26: Five days have passed since the asbestos roof of the lone classroom of Mithapur Farm Primary School was blown away in a squall but the authorities are yet to repair it.

The classroom, left at the mercy of the elements, suffered again in a downpour this morning: all the study materials and furniture were completely soaked with rainwater.

In its May 23, 2011, issue The Telegraph had reported the damage to the classroom during the squall the previous day. The storm blew away half of the asbestos sheets that act as the roof of the classroom.

“Since the roof was blown away by the wind last Saturday, all important materials, including registers, books and desks, are in the open for thieves. Earlier, we sent a letter to the district superintendent of education (DSE) for temporary remedy but no one has replied since then,” said Akhilesh Kumar Sinha, principal, New Sinha Modern Middle School, one of the three education institutions that work in the single room.

The other two are Mithapur Farm Primary School and Chandpur Bela Primary School. The Telegraph had also reported the poor condition of these schools in its March 15, 2011, issue.

Authorities claim that the matter will be addressed soon.

“I have asked the DSE to visit the site and assess the current situation. Although land allotment will take a long time, a temporary solution can be provided by the DSE. It can be in the form of restoration of the existing room and opening of two adjacent rooms, which are now in the possession of the agriculture department. Rooms can also be taken on rent for sometime till some permanent solution is arrived at. The matter is with the DSE at present and will be resolved soon,” said Anjani Kumar Singh, principal secretary, state human resource development department.

The school authorities were hopeful that they would get some relief from the situation. “We would be more than happy if the roof is repaired and other two rooms are opened for the time being. As of now, the only room is complete ly damaged. Birds have started making nests, as the roof is open. It is impossible to take classes in such conditions. The entire structure can collapse any time,” said Akhilesh Prasad.