Dehradun News: A controversy has arisen due to the plan for parking and road widening on the playground of St. Joseph School in Dehradun. This school is located near the Secretariat and was established about 99 years ago. The school was given the land on lease at that time, the term of which expires in January 2024. The school administration has already applied for renewal of the lease in December 2023, but no decision has been taken yet.

About four thousand children are studying in St. Joseph School, the uncertainty regarding the renewal of the lease is causing concern among the parents. If the lease is not renewed, the school administration may face a big challenge. This can have a direct impact on the education and future of these children. The school administration and parents are very worried about the government's proposal to build a parking lot on the playground and widen the road. 

Principal Brother Joseph said that this ground is not only a centre for physical sports for our children but is also an important part of their overall development. If this ground is taken for parking or other uses then it will have a very bad effect on the sports activities of the children. He has appealed to the government to look at this matter sympathetically and give priority to the interests of the children. The alumni association of the school has also become active in this matter. The president of the organization, Major General (Retd.) Sanjay Sharma said that we are alumni of this school and we are proud of the legacy of this institution. The government should find some other alternative place so that the right of children to play is not affected.

Development vs Heritage
Traffic problem has been a major issue in Dehradun for a long time. SDM Dehradun, Hargiri Goswami said, traffic problem is increasing in the city and due to lack of parking, there is a demand for road widening and parking spaces but the government is also seeing to it that along with development, the rights of children and educational institutions should also be protected. He also said that the government is also considering other alternative plans in this matter, so that the interests of schools and children are not harmed. 

There is a mixed reaction among parents and society about this entire episode. Some people consider it a solution to the city's traffic problem, while others consider it a threat to the future of children and their education. At present, the decision on the renewal of the lease is pending and it remains to be seen what action the government takes in this matter.