Thenhipalam: Chelari Government GVHSS finally got a brand-new building after the High Court of Kerala intervened in the matter. The project has been stalled for over six years as a result of a political tug of war. The building that was supposed to be completed in 2020 was completed in 2025, spending ₹2.85 crore.

The classes will be shifted into the new building within a week after it receives the fitness certificate. This would put an end to the shift system in the higher secondary section. However, the school authorities aren’t sure when they will receive the new desks and benches. Meanwhile, the old furniture has been dusted and repaired to be used in the new building. Besides, the flooring works of the annexe too has been completed. Initially, a four-storey building was envisaged in the master plan.

But, ₹10 crore is required for expanding the building. The second phase of the construction would begin when the school gets the approval to utilise the ₹2.10 crore that they received when the old building of higher secondary department was pulled down for NH development.

The construction of the building was started in 2019 after the government allowed ₹ 2.85 crore in 2017. However, the project was stalled by LDF supporters who stated that construction activities wouldn’t be allowed in the playground.

Although the UDF claimed that the construction site is not a playground, it didn’t gain traction. The contractors soon backed out of the project as it landed in uncertainty. Meanwhile, the PTA approached the High Court and gained an order to complete the construction within six months. But, that too didn’t happen.

In the meantime, an expert technical committee appointed by the government visited the spot and recommended a new place for construction. They also approved the PTA’s amendments in the building’s blueprint. The PTA again approached the Court citing contempt of court as the construction didn’t begin even after that.

The High Court then ordered to complete the construction within eight months and also to inform the building update every month. Now, the authorities have been filing the monthly progress report of the construction at the Court. Meanwhile, the final progress report will be submitted soon.