First report reveals sorry state of affairs

Bhartesh Singh Thakur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 20

The first report in the inquiry against the poor quality of construction in some completed projects on the Panjab University (PU) campus has revealed the sorry state of affairs at the PU.

The main committee probing the issue has constituted a subcommittee whose first report has been submitted now which inspected the University Institute of Applied Management Sciences (UIAMS), International Hostel and Dr HS Judge Institute of Dental Sciences. A CD containing pictures taken during inspection was placed before the Syndicate meeting on Sunday also.

The subcommittee comprised Senator Dr Rabindernath Sharma, Prof Manoj Sharma of University Business School (UBS), Director of the University Institute of Applied Management Sciences Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Prof Hamresh Kansal of the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Dr Lakshmi of UBS and Dr Manish Sharma of the Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies.

The subcommittee has pointed out that there is a huge problem of leakage in all buildings that were inspected. The problem is acute in washrooms wherein ducts and rainwater pipes are leaking, leading to unhygienic conditions.

Poor ventilation at dental institute, especially in the faculty area, was observed. Also, dampness in a few balconies and lobbies, where fungal growth could be seen, was noted. At many places at the dental institute, wide cracks can be seen, giving a shabby look.

Parts of the UIAMS building has been left incomplete such as flooring on the top floor and stairs, observed the subcommittee.

Also, many of the floor tiles have not been properly cemented, leading to their frequent replacement. It pointed out that debris from construction have still not being removed nor levelling of the area behind the building is done at the UIAMS.

Many of the electrical points need constant repair or replacement, observed the subcommittee.

So far, some departments have sent their complaints regarding quality of construction of their buildings as per the directions of the main committee and comments on them from the XEN office has also been taken, which dismissed most of them as routine maintenance issues.

Observations

• The subcommittee formed by the main committee probing the issue has pointed out that there is a huge problem of leakage in all buildings that were inspected. The problem is acute in washrooms wherein ducts and rainwater pipes are leaking, leading to unhygienic conditions.
• Poor ventilation at dental institute was observed. Also, dampness in a few balconies and lobbies, where fungal growth could be seen, was noted.
• At many places at the dental institute, wide cracks can be seen, giving a shabby look.
• Parts of the UIAMS building has been left incomplete such as flooring on the top floor and stairs.