Children tread treacherous path to reach school

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 1

Children from the Makhan Majra and Mauli Jagran – II area are putting their lives at risk as they tread through an unattended junkyard to reach school in the shortest possible time.

Though Government Middle School, Makhan Majra, has got a proper approach road, residents claimed that the shortcut through the junkyard saved children about 15-20 minutes.

“The approach is far from our locality. It takes almost 20 to 25 minutes to reach school from that road,” claimed a resident as he demanded for a direct road to the school.

“A direct passage will help children reach school in five minutes. We have already approached the officials concerned in this regard,” the resident added.

The scrap dealer, who had raised the temporary single-door entrance/exit for the passage of children and other people, claimed that the opening had been provided for the benefit of the residents. However, as the treacherous walk through the junkyard drew the media attention, the scrap dealer decided to close the pass permanently.

“The pass has been made for the benefit of the nearby residents. As they have raised objection, I am going to close this door permanently,” said Ashok, the owner of the junkyard.

“Few months back, same people gathered near my junkyard and fought for the passage,” he claimed.

“As per the Estate Office plan, the road ends right on my junkyard… I will now close it permanently. The residents should now fight for the road on their own,” said Ashok.

The area also does not have any provision of street lights or armed guards.

“Our fight is not with the junkyard owner or any other businessman, but we are questioning the UT Administration,” said one of the residents.