Children face danger in a crumbling anganwadi

An anganwadi on the outskirts of Vedaranyam, constructed about two decades ago, has been in a dilapidated condition, posing a danger to the safety of the children and the anganwadi workers as well.

According to local people, the building at Shenbagarayanallur in Thennampulam panchayat, about 10 km from here, started developing a number of cracks about three years ago.

The structure was so weakened that the cracks could be seen all along the walls, ceiling and on the concrete beams. The concrete plastering on the ceiling had got peeled off about a year ago, forcing the authorities to shift the children to a nearby private building where the noon meal is supplied daily.

However, the workers have been using the kitchen of the anganwadi.

The kitchen too is quite unsafe. A cement smoke pipe had got uprooted about a year ago.

K. Birla Thangadurai, Member of the District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Welfare and Bonded Labour Vigilance, said that urgent action should be taken for the re-construction of the anganwadi in the village.