While Mumbai University launches lavish projects, students fear for life in crumbling hostel

Mumbai University (MU) is spending lavishly on projects to the tune of Rs 20 crore, but its hostels, which are now showing serious signs of disrepair, seem to have been ignored. The inmates of Savitribai Phule girls' hostel on the Kalina campus fear the building could come crashing down any minute.

After the hostel mess and bathroom, the cracks have now crept into the rooms of the hostelites. Chunks of plaster fell off from the ceiling of a room on the first floor's B-wing. Hostellers are both horrified and stupefied by the callous response from the administration and the lack of readiness to redevelop the building.

The students written a letter to Sanjay Vairal, senate member, MU, addressing their plea to relocate them to a safer accommodation and come out with a plan to repair the structure.

"Instead of focusing on the Indian Science Congress, the university should look into temporarily shifting the students to a safer location. The situation demands immediate action and there is scope for more compromises," said a student.

"My friend would have been hurt had she not moved to get something. I don't know when the authorities will rise from their slumber," he added.

The university has not yet found the time and money to help its students who are facing threats of dengue with an open pothole right outside the hostel. Other hostels in the university premises also require renovation and rebuilding.

Dr Rajan Welukar, vice-chancellor, MU, declined to talk to dna regarding the matter, stating that he would only address questions regarding the Indian Science Congress.