In 2023, devastating flash floods swept across Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, destroying homes, infrastructure, and critical public services. One of the most profound losses was the damage inflicted on Kuklah Government Primary School. As the floodwaters rose, the school, once a vibrant center of learning, was left in ruins. 

The destruction of this educational facility disrupted the lives of dozens of children who not only lost access to structured learning but also the security and support system that schools often provide in times of crisis.

Children were forced to shift to temporary learning spaces, which lacked the resources, safety, and structure of a formal classroom environment. Their learning outcomes suffered, and so did their overall well-being. For the community of Kuklah, the loss of the school was more than just physical—it was emotional and deeply symbolic.

Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, PwC India Foundation took responsibility for rebuilding the Kuklah Government Primary School under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. 

This project was designed not just to reconstruct a damaged building, but to restore hope, stability, and continuity in the lives of students and their families. It aimed to create a space that would be structurally resilient, environmentally sustainable, and conducive to learning in the long term.

Rebuilding for Safety and Resilience

Disaster recovery, especially in the context of educational infrastructure, demands more than temporary fixes. Rebuilding efforts must ensure that the new structures are equipped to withstand future challenges. 

Guided by this principle, the reconstruction of Kuklah Government Primary School was designed to adhere to disaster-resilient construction standards from the ground up.

The building's architecture incorporated critical safety features, such as reinforced walls, elevated platforms, improved roofing, and upgraded drainage systems. These measures ensure that the school remains functional and secure even during adverse weather conditions. Every element of the school—from classroom design to the layout of the school grounds—was carefully planned to reduce vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Additionally, the structural improvements were complemented by investments in child-centric design. The layout focused on ensuring that classrooms receive ample natural light and ventilation. 

This not only enhances the learning environment but also contributes to energy efficiency. Specialized materials that offer better thermal insulation and weather resistance were also used to increase longevity and minimize maintenance requirements.

The school’s physical structure now stands as a symbol of preparedness—one that can absorb shocks from potential future calamities, thereby minimizing the disruption to students' education.

Promoting Sustainable Design in Sensitive Regions

Given the fragile ecological balance in the Himalayan region, sustainability played a key role in the school’s reconstruction. The PwC India Foundation took a conscious decision to embed environmentally responsible practices throughout the project’s lifecycle. This included selecting eco-friendly materials, incorporating energy-saving elements, and designing for a reduced carbon footprint.

Natural ventilation systems and ample daylight access were integrated into classroom design, cutting down the need for artificial lighting and mechanical cooling. Construction materials with low embodied energy, such as locally sourced stone and bricks, were used to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy.

Rainwater drainage and harvesting solutions were also considered to manage water during heavy rains better, an increasingly frequent issue in the region. Landscaping around the school includes native vegetation, which requires minimal maintenance and supports the local biodiversity.

By emphasizing sustainable construction practices, the project sets a replicable example for future infrastructure development in other vulnerable regions. It proves that educational institutions can be both eco-conscious and resilient, aligning with global best practices for climate-sensitive architecture.

Restoring Normalcy and Strengthening the Local Community

Beyond bricks and mortar, the return of Kuklah Government Primary School restored a sense of stability for the community. For months after the floods, students had to make do with inadequate temporary setups—often in unsafe or poorly equipped environments. This disrupted not only their studies but also their emotional well-being.

The newly constructed school reversed this scenario. With clean, safe, and well-equipped classrooms, students regained access to structured learning. The reopening brought visible enthusiasm among children, parents, and educators alike. 

Parents once again had confidence in sending their children to school, knowing that they were in a secure environment. For students, the school became a place of joy, curiosity, and consistent routine, essential components of psychological recovery after a disaster.

The impact also extended to local livelihoods. During the rebuilding phase, the project created temporary employment opportunities by engaging local construction workers, laborers, and material suppliers. This provided an economic boost to the flood-hit region and reinforced a sense of ownership and involvement among community members.

Teachers and staff benefited from improved infrastructure that supported better pedagogical practices. With better classrooms, utilities, and learning tools, the school can now offer a more engaging and effective educational experience. This renewed environment has already contributed to better student attendance and academic performance.

Impact Created

The rebuilding of Kuklah Government Primary School has had a far-reaching and multi-dimensional impact. Most significantly, it has reinstated access to quality education in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment for dozens of children in the Mandi region. This is not just a return to pre-disaster status—it’s an upgrade to a more resilient and modern education infrastructure.

The school’s disaster-resistant design ensures that learning can continue even during natural disasters. It provides a protective environment where students can focus on their studies without fear of disruption. The classrooms now offer better acoustics, lighting, temperature control, and spatial arrangements that promote both concentration and collaboration.

Moreover, the initiative has become a local success story that inspires other communities and educational institutions facing similar risks. It shows that proactive, well-planned rebuilding efforts can create sustainable educational outcomes.

The community’s renewed commitment to maintaining the school, along with active participation from parents and local leaders, reflects a deep sense of ownership. This collective responsibility is key to ensuring the longevity and continued effectiveness of the school as a center for learning and growth.

Way Forward

While the reconstruction of Kuklah Government Primary School is a major milestone, it also sets the stage for broader goals. Ongoing efforts are now needed to build on this foundation. These include enhancing academic resources, investing in teacher training, integrating digital learning tools, and supporting extracurricular activities that encourage holistic development.

Equally important is embedding disaster awareness and climate education into the school’s curriculum. This will equip students and families with the knowledge and skills they need to respond effectively to environmental threats. Building awareness from a young age fosters community-wide resilience.

There is also a pressing need to scale such models to other disaster-affected regions across India. Many schools in flood-prone areas remain damaged or structurally weak. Replicating Kuklah’s disaster-resilient and eco-friendly design can help thousands of students access safer educational spaces.

Sustained collaboration between government bodies, NGOs, and corporate CSR programs will be crucial in this effort. Public-private partnerships can pool resources, share expertise, and expand the reach of such transformative initiatives.

Ultimately, the Kuklah Government Primary School reconstruction stands as a powerful example of how purposeful intervention, when combined with thoughtful design and community engagement, can not only rebuild infrastructure but also restore dignity, continuity, and future possibilities for children.