Students compelled to take classes sitting on snow

By Sher Bahadur Sarki, Bajura, Jan 26: Students in Siddheshwari Residential Basic School located in the eastern part of Bajura have been forced to take classes while seated on the ice as the building is dilapidated and there is fear of earthquake.

Sarita Gurung, a fourth grade student, said she was taking classes in the cold outside the building where snow has covered everything because of the fear of tremor as the building is very old.

"It snowed heavily for two days. Snow is everywhere outside the building, and it is very cold. But if we stay inside the building for classes, there is fear of earthquake. So, we are sitting outside for classes wearing warm, thick clothes," she said.

There are 112 students in the school.

Tula Bahadur Rawat, school principal, said that the students were seated outside the building as it was very old and jolts of earthquake were felt now and then. "We are afraid that if we keep students inside the building and suddenly the quake jolt, building may collapse and hit students".

He said the students were provided accommodation in the school otherwise schools remain empty because most of the parents are farmers involved in husbandry and they move to other places with their sheep and they also take their kids with them during winter.