Chennai: Amid rising cases of fever and Dengue across the state, the school education department has asked officials to undertake mass cleanliness drives in all govt and aided schools every Wednesday.Chief and district education officers have been told to ensure weekly inspections by block-level officers and coordinate cleanliness drives with the respective headmasters. “Water-stagnation points shall be identified and potholes filled. Waste, if found accumulated in old buildings, unused rooms or areas, should be cleared taking help from local bodies. School terraces, staircase areas, areas behind staircases, areas near toilets and kitchens must be kept clean,” the directions issued by the department said.Additionally, school heads have been told to devote special attention to school compound walls. “If any compound wall is found damaged, fencing or barricades shall be erected around the affected area to prevent students from going near it,” the advisory said.“All types of waste accumulated in schools shall be properly removed. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste shall be properly segregated. Recyclable materials shall be disposed of appropriately and garbage collection must be streamlined in coordination with local bodies,” the department said, adding that a report must be submitted by the chief and district education officers to schools.Further, students must be sensitised to cleanliness and hygiene habits, the department said.
