School bus routes to get real-time waterlogging updates in Gurugram

Gurugram, Aug 25 (IANS) The Gurugram district administration has stepped up safety measures for schoolchildren amid waterlogging and traffic disruptions caused by heavy monsoon rainfall, with Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh on Tuesday directing multiple departments to ensure safe movement of school buses. 

Singh, who is also Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, issued the directions during an inter-departmental coordination committee meeting held to review difficulties faced by school buses following heavy rainfall.

Under the new guidelines, Gurugram Traffic Police will prepare and share real-time information on waterlogging along school bus routes with schools. Similarly, on rainy days or during weather warnings, updates will be issued at 5.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. Flash updates will be issued within 30 minutes in case of sudden waterlogging or route blockage.

Meanwhile, schools have been directed to avoid waterlogged routes. They have been directed to use safe alternatives. If no alternative is available, students will remain on school premises under staff supervision, with parents informed immediately. During heavy rainfall, student dispersal will be conducted in phases.

The administration has also directed that no child be dropped at a waterlogged or unsupervised bus stop. Students must be handed over only to parents or authorised guardians. Every school bus must have a staff escort, adequate drinking water and drivers properly briefed about avoiding waterlogged roads and underpasses.

Additional Haryana Roadways buses will remain on standby at identified safe locations to assist if school buses become stranded or break down.

The Education Department has been asked to establish a dedicated WhatsApp broadcast and bulk SMS/email system for schools within 24 hours. Traffic updates must be forwarded to schools within 15 minutes of receipt.

The GMDA, the MCG, the HSVP, the PWD, the NHAI and other agencies have been directed to prioritise drainage along school routes and near school gates. ADC Sonu Bhatt will monitor compliance and conduct weekly reviews with the departments concerned.

--IANS

brt/vd