LUCKNOW, Aug. 4 -- On the issue that there are approximately 4,000 schools in UP where high tension electricity lines are passing over the said buildings, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has directed to communicate this issue to the competent authority and seek views in this regard, by August 18 - the next date of listing. It was stated by the amicus that some incidents have already been reported where these high tension electricity lines have fallen upon schools leaving lives of students in danger. The amicus submitted that a study in this regard has also been conducted and published in Hindustan Times on July 25, 2026. "Considering the aforesaid facts, this court is of the considered view that an important issue has been brought to our knowledge, which also needs to be looked into," the court said. "Accordingly, UP Power Corporation Ltd through its managing director, is directed to be impleaded as respondent in the present case. Learned additional advocate general is directed to communicate this order to the competent authority and also seek their views in this regard, by the next date of listing," the court ordered. A division bench of justice Alok Mathur and justice Brij Raj Singh passed the order on July 30 (uploaded on Monday), while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Gomti River Bank Residents' Welfare Association, pertaining to safety issues and traffic problems near schools in the state capital. The DCP (traffic), Lucknow, submitted a preliminary report with regard to compliance made by various schools with regard to deployment of marshalls. As per the said report, seven schools fall in good category, five in average category and five other schools in poor category in terms of deployment of marshalls. The said preliminary report is taken on record. A list of such schools has also been annexed therein where comments have also been included with regard to their performance. The Amicus also informed the court that SOP, which was to be prepared with assistance of educational institutions, is in final stage and shall be presented before this court by the next date of listing (August 18). Another concern, which was expressed, was with regard to running of school buses and vans for ferrying students from their homes to schools and vice-versa. It was submitted that various incidents have been reported regarding minor children having been sexually harassed by drivers of school buses and vans. "The transport department, it seems that has collected data and from the police verification it has been found that 527 out of total 2370 school vehicle drivers have been found having adverse report under 'Mission Bharosa'. It is again a serious issue which directly effects safety of minor children," the court said. Advocates present during the hearing suggested that it can be considered that school van drivers should, if possible, be female drivers to ensure safety of school children. The Additional Advocate General submitted that he shall duly consider this aspect and seek instructions in this regard. Dy CP (Traffic), Lucknow, also submitted that one major step taken with regard to managing traffic situation in real time from the "control room" around the educational institutions is regarding installation of CCTV cameras at the entry gates of schools. Accordingly, it was submitted that on the next date of listing, the number of CCTV cameras required at various points and their estimated cost shall be intimated to the court on the next date of listing....