The Surat Municipal Corporation has temporarily stopped work on the new Suman High School building. This decision came after strong protests from both BJP and AAP councillors on Friday.
Protests Force Construction Halt
BJP councillors Narendra Pandav and Dipti Sakariya joined AAP councillors Kishore Rupareliya and Jyoti Patel in demanding the school return to its original location. The councillors represent Ward 7, where the school was first approved.
AAP councillors took their protest further by staging an overnight dharna on Thursday. They insisted the school must be built in Ward 7 as originally planned.
Committee Orders Status Quo
The standing committee meeting resulted in a clear directive. Rajan Patel, chairman of the committee, stated that status quo must be maintained on the entire issue. All ongoing construction in Ward 8 has been put on hold until further decisions are made.
"A status quo is to be maintained on the entire issue until the next decision is taken," Patel confirmed. "The ongoing construction in Ward 8 has also been put on hold."
Location Shift Sparks Controversy
Originally, SMC approved the school construction in Ward 7 at Katargam Ved. Work was ready to begin at that location. However, the site was later shifted to Ward 8 in Dabholi Singanpore.
This change raised immediate concerns among local councillors. They argued the school should remain where it was first approved.
Land Use Questions Emerge
Sources within SMC revealed additional complications. The land in Ward 8 where construction started was originally reserved for commercial purposes. Plans were underway to officially change the land's designation to educational use.
Despite this planning process, construction began prematurely. This early start contributed to the current pause in the project.
Future Decisions Pending
No decision has been made yet regarding the school in Ward 7. The project now waits for further committee discussions and resolutions.
The temporary halt affects both the proposed Ward 8 location and any potential return to Ward 7. All parties must wait for the standing committee's next move.
