Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 19: A cluster of ageing poplar trees next to Boys’ Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Baramulla is posing a serious threat to the safety of students and school property.
According to school authorities, strong winds swept through the area late last night, causing several branches from these trees to crash onto the school premises, resulting in damage.
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Although classes had ended and no students were present at the time, night-shift guards said they were “terrified” as large limbs broke off and struck the boundary wall and a shed.
In-charge Principal Showkat Hussain said the main academic block lies directly beneath the towering trees, posing a constant danger.
“Every storm places the building-and the lives of hundreds of students-at serious risk,” he said.
According to the principal, the school has written “several times” to Station Headquarters Baramulla, the local Army unit responsible for the compound, requesting that the trees be felled or effectively pruned.
“Damage was done last night-fortunately, there was no loss of life. This school has a roll of 1,200 students. Despite informing the authorities of the looming threat, we are still waiting for a response and the day these trees will finally be cut down,” he added.
The school administration fears that a direct hit during school hours could be disastrous and has stressed the need for urgent action.
District authorities have been urged to authorise the immediate removal or drastic pruning of the poplars, assess the remaining trees for structural weakness, and establish a joint safety protocol to safeguard students, staff, and infrastructure.
“We are once again urging the authorities to act, keeping in view the strength of this school,” Hussain said.
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