Unsafe Portions of 7,630 UP Schools Demolished: Government Submits Report to Allahabad HC
The Uttar Pradesh government has informed the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court that unsafe and dilapidated portions of 7,630 schools across the state have been demolished between April 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. This action, aimed at improving student safety, follows strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Avinash Mehrotra vs. Union of India and Others, which emphasized school safety infrastructure.
Compliance with Supreme Court Guidelines
The demolition drive targeted government primary, junior high, and composite schools identified as structurally unsafe. According to the state government’s affidavit, a statewide safety inspection is ongoing to ensure compliance with Supreme Court mandates.
Additional Advocate General (AAG) K.P. Tripathi, appearing before the division bench of Justice Alok Mathur and Justice Brij Raj Singh, informed the court that the tender process for further safety inspections is already underway and is expected to conclude in 45 days.
PIL Triggers Safety Review
The action stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Gomti River Bank Residents, raising concerns about schools functioning in residential areas without proper safety arrangements.
Earlier, in October 2024, the High Court directed the state to conduct statewide inspections of schools in line with Supreme Court guidelines. By December 2024, the court had instructed the state to file an affidavit detailing the measures taken, leading to the current demolition and inspection process.
Committee Formation and Safety Oversight
The government has assured the bench that a dedicated committee will be formed to supervise inspections and oversee the implementation of safety measures. These include:
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Periodic structural assessments of school buildings
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Immediate action on identifying unsafe structures
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Adherence to fire safety and disaster management protocols as per Supreme Court orders
The matter is now listed for September 22, 2025, by which time the AAG has been directed to provide updates on the progress of inspections and tenders.
Court’s Focus on Traffic Safety Around Schools
In a separate but related directive, the Allahabad High Court addressed traffic congestion near schools. The bench has instructed the AAG to gather fresh updates on traffic management across the state.
Traffic authorities have been directed to:
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Extend traffic monitoring systems currently in Lucknow to other congested districts.
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Coordinate with school managements to ensure smoother traffic movement during peak hours.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Kamlesh Dixit, informed the court that monitoring measures are active in Lucknow, with consultations already underway with school authorities. The court expressed hope for a “workable and expedited solution” to reduce chaos near educational institutions.
Broader Implications
This High Court initiative highlights a two-pronged focus:
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Infrastructure Safety: Prioritizing the physical safety of school buildings to prevent accidents and ensure a secure learning environment.
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Traffic Management: Addressing civic challenges outside schools, ensuring safe commutes for students and easing public inconvenience.
The outcome of this case could establish statewide benchmarks for school safety audits and urban traffic planning around educational zones.
Key Takeaways for Policymakers and Citizens
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7,630 unsafe school structures have already been demolished.
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Tender processes for additional safety checks are ongoing.
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PILs remain an effective tool in driving accountability for child safety.
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Traffic management directives could lead to long-term solutions in congested areas.
The next hearing on September 22, 2025, will determine the pace of further reforms, making this a crucial case to watch for educators, parents, and civic planners alike.

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