TMC plans to set up safe school zone in vicinity of Thane schools

The schools have started and the students have started going to the schools in big numbers after a hiatus of almost two years. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is planning to tie up with World Resource Institute (WRI) for setting up a Safe School Zone in the vicinity of the educational institutions. In the WRI school zone safety measures, design solutions will be introduced on roads to make it barrier free, safer and vibrant for children.

A budget of Rs. 10 crore has been allocated for the safe school zones. First, a pilot project will be undertaken and feedback from the stakeholders, including traffic police, school management and residents in the area, will be taken. Based on the feedback, the model will be replicated in other places.

Demarcation of the school zone using signages, road markings, providing designated areas for walking and waiting, multi-utility zones including pick-up and drop-off zones, child-friendly spaces with playful elements and a vibrant pedestrian crossing are some of the facilities included in the Safe School Zone.

There are a total of 777 schools, including civic, aided and unaided schools, in Thane city with a student population of close to four lakhs. Now that the schools have reopened post the pandemic this model can be adopted to ensure safe vicinity for students. There are many schools in the city where children stay within walking distance, creating safe zones will make it convenient for children to walk home. It will also help regulate vehicular traffic in school zones and avoid accidents.

Seeking inspiration from Mumbai, where this model was introduced in October last year, a trial run was conducted at Mirza Ghalib Road in Byculla. There are two schools on this road. With the help of colourful markings on the road and cones to demarcate the areas which are out of access; a safer pathway was created for students to cross the road and head home. At present, review of the model is being undertaken.