AP to TN: A risky journey for education

Students of Irrakum village of Nellore risk their lives every day in order to reach school at Sunnambagulam in Tamil Nadu. They cross the Pulicat Lake near the sea and the boat ride comes with many risks.

Nellore (Andhra Pradesh):Over 150 children of Irakkum, a village of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh take a dangerous boat ride every day to Tamil-medium schools at Sunnambagulam in Tamil Nadu.

The students cross the choppy waters of Pulicat Lake near the sea and the boat ride comes with many risks. The children don't wear life jackets, their clothes get soaked in water and their books and notebooks also get wet. They sit on the edges of the boat throughout the long journey.

"It is difficult for us to travel to the school from our village, it gets even harder when it rains thus, we cannot attend school. Safer boat facilities are required as we travel for more than an hour, a student said.

"The fare should also be less as we cannot afford it." another student added.

Meanwhile, school teacher Kokiladevi said, "We have provided the students with life jackets and are teaching them swimming for safety. The students should follow the training and if there are proper drills or other safety measures it would be easier for them for travel."

On the other hand, Vasantharaj, another staff member said, "The students do not utilise the life jackets that we provide them, there is a lack of awareness despite repeated instructions."

'The boat driver also has an experience of 20-25 years, no unfortunate incident has occurred till now," he added.

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