Gujarat : Students Fall Ill at ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Tree Plantation Event in Valsad

VALSAD : A government-sponsored tree plantation programme in Valsad district has landed in controversy after several school students reportedly fell ill due to extreme heat during the event, raising serious questions about planning, child safety, and administrative accountability.

The incident occurred at Malav village in Umargam taluka during the “Van Kavach” plantation drive organised by the South Forest Division’s Sanjan Range under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. The event was attended by local leaders, including former forest minister and MLA Raman Patkar, district panchayat representatives, village officials, and forest department officers.

According to allegations raised by local residents and opposition leaders, students from Tumba Primary School were brought to the programme to boost attendance and were transported in open tempos under sweltering weather conditions. The children were allegedly made to wait for a prolonged period in the sun before the programme began, resulting in several students suffering from dehydration, dizziness, and heat-related illness.

Witnesses claimed that despite the deteriorating health of the students, they were not immediately shifted to a medical facility. Instead, some children were reportedly kept inside vehicles for relief from the heat until the programme concluded.

“The health of innocent children should never be compromised for a public event. If a child falls ill, medical treatment must be the first priority,” said a concerned parent, expressing anger over the handling of the situation.

Forest and local administration officials defended the arrangements, stating that the sudden rise in temperature and the large gathering contributed to the situation. Officials maintained that first aid was provided and necessary care was taken once students reported discomfort.

However, the incident has sparked a political storm. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi strongly criticised the administration, alleging that the episode reflected “gross insensitivity” toward children.

“It is shameful that a programme continued while children were reportedly fainting in the heat. Such incidents expose the failure of authorities to ensure basic safety measures,” Doshi said.

Meanwhile, the District Education Officer has ordered an inquiry into the matter. Preliminary information suggests that prior permission, which is mandatory before taking students to government events, may not have been obtained from the concerned education authorities. Questions have also been raised over the use of open tempos instead of buses, which are typically arranged for such programmes.