GHMC seals Sri Chaitanya School in Serilingampally over building violations; 1,400 students affected

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has sealed the Serilingampally branch of Sri Chaitanya School, citing construction violations, including a lack of a cellar and inadequate parking space.

The action has displaced nearly 1,400 students and forced the school management to shift classes online.

Exams shifted mid-term

The sealing came days before the Summative Assessment-1 (SA-1) examinations for all classes. To avoid academic disruption:

• Classes up to 9th: Exams conducted online

• 10th class: Students shifted to another branch in Chandanagar

A school administrator said that the building was sealed last Monday after ‘multiple notices were issued but could not be complied with in time.’

Continued violations, says GHMC

Officials from GHMC’s Town Planning wing said the violations were persistent and could not be ignored further.

One senior official explained, “Sealing was carried out under Section 461-A of the GHMC Act after the management failed to provide the required parking and cellar as per the sanctioned plans. We cannot allow such structures to continue functioning once violations are confirmed.”

“Even if a building is in use for several years, it must meet the approved norms. Enforcement cannot be delayed forever,” he added.

Parents demand immediate relief

Since the sealing, groups of parents have gathered at the locked premises each day, demanding clarity.

A parent of a Class 7 student shared: “The school has been functioning here for almost nine years. Why act suddenly in the middle of the academic year? At least allow classes until a new building is arranged.”

Many fear learning gaps and mental stress for students, especially younger children unfamiliar with online classes.

School management says talks are underway

The principal acknowledged that the situation remains uncertain: “Our management is in discussions with the authorities to resolve the matter. We hope to reopen as early as possible, but we cannot give a date right now.”

Background: Long-running compliance issues

Town-planning enforcement in Hyderabad has intensified over the past few years, with several educational and commercial establishments flagged for deviations from approved structural plans. GHMC officials said notices were sent earlier to Sri Chaitanya’s Serilingampally branch, but did not result in corrective measures.

Sources in the civic body indicated that the sealing could remain until the school either:

• Regularises the building by fulfilling the missing conditions, or

• Shifts to a compliant facility

What next for students?

For now, remote learning continues and parents are waiting for clarity from both the school and GHMC. The situation remains unresolved, leaving the academic schedule, especially for students appearing in board examinations, hanging in uncertainty.