Vadakkadathukavu: The Autism Training Centre at Vadakkadathukavu, which functions under the District Child Development Centre, continues to operate without a protective compound wall.

Situated right beside the road, the absence of a wall poses serious safety risks for the children, with vehicles passing dangerously close. To make matters worse, stray dogs often wander onto the verandah of the building where the centre functions.

The basic infrastructure for the centre, which comes under the BRC, is developed by including it in the District Panchayat’s annual development plan. At present, 63 differently abled children are studying here.

Although a contract for the wall’s construction was awarded two years ago, no contractor came forward to take up the work, leading to delays. The Autism Training Centre was set up as part of the Swathanam project of the District Panchayat, and a building of the Government Vocational School was handed over for its operations. However, the compound wall remains incomplete even after years.

District Panchayat member C. Krishnakumar said that the contract for construction has now been finalised and the work is expected to begin after Onam.

Meanwhile, a large, ageing tree in front of the centre is also raising safety concerns, with growing public demand for it to be cut down before it causes any mishap.