Stany Bela
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 17: Anxious parents demand a garage functioning beside the Mount Carmel School be relocated as it poses a threat to children. Rusted metallic components and open tins of oil and grease lay scatter near the gate of the school as a result. Groups of people frequently gather at the garage during the day, which worries the parents about the safety of their children. But the mayor is confronted with a dilemma, as the owner of the shop happens to be physically challenged.

The garage near to the school gate allegedly does not have license from the government authorities and is therefore illegal. The land belongs to the MCC but the owner of the garage does not pay rent to the MCC nor has he obtained any permission from the corporation to run his business near the school gate.

Members of Parents Teachers Association have complained to various departments but have not received positive response.

As per their complaint, the garage and its surrounding are filled with rusted metal parts, which could harm the children passing by. The garage is constructed with rusted sheets and is likely to collapse any time. Spare parts and the old non-functioning two-wheelers parked there obstruct the passage. The oiled metal parts are thrown in the surroundings of the garage. This poses a danger to children who go in and out of the school during their break or after classes. Half used oil and grease tins are thrown in front of the school gate without any concern for safety of children.

Moreovere, there is always a group of people gathered in and around the garage in the morning when students arrive at the school, and even during the evening when its time for them to leave.

Speaking to daijiworld, Sandeep, vice-president of PTA said, "The garage in the MCC land is very close to the school gate. Many a time, vehicles that come to the garage block the way. Rusted metal items are thrown everywhere around the gate. Children touch these items unaware of their dangers, especially the oil tins and bottles. We have requested the MCC officials and the mayor to relocate this garage. But they have not shown any interest in our complaint. We also met the police commissioner who said they (police) cannot interfere in the issue as the garage is situated in the MCC land. But if any illegal activity or crime was to take place, they would take action. If the corporation gives orders to the garage to relocate, and its owner does not follow it, the police have the right to interfere. We met district in-charge minister on this issue and he guided us approach the commissioner of the corporation and the mayor. So, we will once again knock the doors of the MCC with signatures of all parents.”

'Crowd gathers outside the gate'

Gloria, joint secretary of PTA said, "Why should we wait for problems to occur? We do not know about the people gathering at the garage. They stand close to the gate with their vehicles they bring for repair. But how can we trust them? Nowadays hundreds of cases are coming to light about kidnapping of children. Many parents have noticed vulgar comments being passed when girl students pass by. Besides, the empty packets of banned gutka and pan masala are thrown in the surroundings, which will impact the children. So the government authorities must relocate the garage without any delay. Otherwise it will pave a way for a disaster."

Catch 22

Responding to the issue, mayor Kavita Sanil told daijiworld, "I know the garage owner and the area comes under my ward. For the past many years, the garage has been functioning near the school. The owner is physically challenged. It is not right to deny the daily bread of a physically challenged man. If I order him to relocate, where is he to go? I know the area very well. The school gate which is situated near the garage is not the main entrance of the school. Majority of students are not using the gate. Most of the times the gate stays shut."

Suresh, a daily commuter on the route says, "I too have noticed the metal and scrap thrown everywhere around the garage. It continues up to the school gate. The rusted sheets are not kept in a proper manner. Little children pass that way. More dangerous are the unknown people who claim to visit the garage and stand outside the school gate. Why would they not be criminals, or kidnapers? Keeping children's safety in mind, the authorities should relocate the garage."