Young Child Injured in Anganwadi Ceiling Collapse
A four-year-old pre-nursery student sustained injuries after a portion of plaster from the ceiling collapsed onto his head at an Anganwadi centre in Dera Falia, Valsad. The alarming incident occurred on Monday, prompting immediate medical attention and an official investigation.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Response
According to staff accounts, nine children from the nearby area were present at the ICDS-operated Anganwadi when the accident happened. Sumitra Patel, an anganwadi staffer, described the scene: "Seven students had just finished their lunch and were moved to another room. Two latecomers were eating when a piece of plaster suddenly fell from the ceiling, injuring one of the boys."
The staff promptly informed senior officials, including ICDS Programme Coordinator Nilamben Patel and Valsad Nagar Palika Chief Komal Patel. A response team, including Chief Engineer Hitesh Patel and Dr. Rohan Patel, reached the centre within minutes. The child received primary treatment on the spot and, once declared stable, was sent home with his parents.
Official Probe and Building Safety Concerns
The Valsad Nagar Palika has initiated a formal inquiry to determine the cause of the plaster fall. Officials revealed that the property, a ground-floor unit with two rooms, was constructed by the municipal body over six years ago. However, this particular Anganwadi was inaugurated and began functioning only in April of this year.
ICDS Programme Coordinator Nilamben Patel confirmed the boy's stable condition and stated, "A small portion of the concrete hit his head. We have started a probe and are gathering details about the contract holder. The structural engineering team of Nagar Palika will examine the rooms to ascertain their safety." This incident raises serious questions about the structural integrity of public infrastructure meant for children.
