Delhi Plans Demolition Of 34 Government Schools Over Safety Concerns

The Delhi government plans to demolish 34 government schools identified with safety and infrastructure concerns while constructing 27 new school buildings across the city, an official said. The new buildings are being planned on vacant plots at an estimated cost of around Rs 900 crore and are expected to be completed within 18 months. The sites have been divided into five geographical clusters to facilitate faster execution and monitoring of the construction work.

Of the 34 schools identified for demolition, work has already begun at 16 sites, while proposals for nine others have received approval. According to the official, some of the schools face recurring waterlogging, while others have structural safety concerns or are situated at locations considered unsuitable for students. The decision follows a citywide assessment intended to identify schools requiring major intervention rather than continuing with infrastructure that may pose risks to students and staff.

The assessment was carried out through a digital profiling exercise covering all 1,090 government schools in Delhi. Officials documented school assets and facilities at classroom and building levels, including cleanliness, drinking water, security arrangements, furniture, digital infrastructure, kitchens and laboratories. Every room was also digitally recorded using 360-degree imaging, creating a permanent database that can support virtual inspections, infrastructure planning and future decision-making.

Also Read: An Inverse Impasse: Government Pushes for Talk, Opposition Walks, and Productivity Plummets

The government is also using drone surveys, high-resolution orthomosaic imagery and Geographic Information System-based visualisation as part of the planning and monitoring process. Structural safety assessments include visual inspections and non-destructive testing methods such as ultrasonic pulse and rebound hammer tests. Based on the findings, school buildings are being categorised for retention, repair, retrofitting or demolition, with safety of students and staff being a key consideration.

The Directorate of Education has invited bids from Central government public sector undertakings to appoint a project management consultant-cum-EPC agency for turnkey construction of the 27 proposed schools. The projects have been divided into five clusters, covering locations including Narela, Bawana, Bhalswa, Salempur Majra, Dariyapur Kalan, Rohini, Mundka, Sawda Ghevra, Shalimar Bagh, Bakkarwala, Hastsal, Shyam Vihar and Nangli Vihar.

The remaining cluster includes sites in Qutabapur, Kapashera, Jaffarpur, Jaunapur, Satbari and Asola. The government’s infrastructure exercise is intended to provide a scientific basis for decisions on school buildings while addressing problems related to electricity, water, ageing structures and other facilities. The proposed replacement buildings are expected to provide safer infrastructure as Delhi undertakes a wider review of conditions across its government school network.

Also Read: DK Shivakumar Retains BDA, BMRDA As Karnataka Government Allocates Portfolios