Visakhapatnam: Residents oppose conversion of MPP School into hospital

Visakhapatnam: The people of Venkatapuram, where the styrene gas leak from the LG Polymers claimed 12 lives and made many sick in the first week of May, were glad when Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy announced setting up of a hospital in the village.

However, it turned out to be short-lived as it has been proposed to convert the existing Mandal Parishad Primary (MPP) School in the colony into a hospital.

After the gas leak, several experts warned against serious health implications in future as the mishap impacted people residing in five villages surrounding the factory. With many inhaling varying quantities of styrene monomer, health experts say that there is a higher possibility of developing short-term and long-term health problems by the inhabitants in the nearby localities.

A majority of parents at Venkatapuram opposes the proposal of building a hospital at the cost of MPP School.

The three-decade-old school caters to 80 students studying classes I to V and it is the only source of education for the kids residing in and around Venkatapuram. "Recently, the school has been renovated utilising the funds raised by the teachers and donors. If this campus gets converted into a hospital, what will be the future of our children?" asks S Vijaya Lakshmi, a parent at Venkatapuram colony.

Many parents are concerned about sending their wards to schools located at far-off places. "Proximity of the school plays a role. Firstly, they are small kids and cannot be left in a school that is less accessible to us. Secondly, even if we join them in some other school, transport is an added cost that we need to bear," rues E Appala Konda, school committee member.

Initially, a part of the school premises has been allotted for the hospital premises. However, with the officials concerned asking the school staff to vacate the rest of the premises, a sense of insecurity grips the parents.

Opposing the move, parents staged a protest at the school premises.

Their demands include, alternative arrangement should be made for setting up of the hospital and temporary set up of the hospital too should be cleared before the school reopens.