Poor construction material takes toll on Boys’ Hostel No. 8

Ishrat S Banwait

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 26

The recently built boys’ hostel in Panjab University is also the one which is in poorest condition. Boys’ Hostel No. 8 was completed in December 2010 but is already in a dilapidated condition. While the roofs are in bad state, there are cracks in walls and its outer structure is visibly deteriorating.

As one visits the hostel, it can be noticed that the structure holding the outer gate has thick cracks. A look at the hostel building shows that its brick-look tiles are falling off. As one enters the hostel, he is greeted by two non-functional elevators.

As one starts to climb the stairs, he can see that the corridors are dimly lit. Courtesy—multiple non-functional tube lights. The walls near the doors have thick cracks and many of them have been plastered and repaired. The iron ventilators above the doors are rusting away and there are multiple broken glasses in washrooms.

The roofs of washrooms are dilapidated with parts of paint peeling off likely due to moisture. An inmate said, “The poor condition of the building in such a short span of time shows the corruption that is going on here. Low-quality construction material has resulted in this condition of the building.”

Dean Students Welfare Emanual Nahar said, “I agree that the building is in a bad state. A committee has already visited the building and we are working towards some of its issues.”

The cleanliness in and around the hostel in also poor. Like other hostels, cobwebs are present in every nook and corner. Just behind the mess is a stair case under which is a virtual dump. A lot of furniture and garbage is seen there and large cobwebs show that it has not been cleaned for months.

Around the hostels walls one can see a lot of plastic and empty wrappers. For outdoor sports facilities, there is volleyball net. The area used for playing has been cleared but around it are bushes and tall grass.