Pune: Students’ Lives At Risk At Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel, Two Students Die To Negligence
Pune: Students' Lives At Risk At Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel, Two Students Die To Negligence
Samata Kukade
In a pressing letter addressed to the Municipal Commissioner of Pune, the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) has raised urgent concerns about the hazardous conditions at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel, which houses economically disadvantaged and talented students from marginalized communities, is facing a dire situation. The building, constructed in 1974, has deteriorated significantly over the past 50 years, creating hazardous living conditions for the students. The members MNS President Pune city Sainath Babar, Prashant Kanojia met PMC officials at its Headquarters.
Recent inspections reveal that the hostel is plagued by severe dampness and unhygienic conditions due to a nearby waste dumping and biogas project. The monsoon rains have exacerbated the situation, leading to the proliferation of contaminated water, unsanitary conditions, and an increase in mosquito-borne diseases. Tragically, two students have already lost their lives due to these conditions.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) has urgently called for action after discovering that student Siddhant Khare died from jaundice and Vedant Sonune succumbed to dengue fever. The surrounding area, which includes a waste transfer center managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), is overwhelmed with filth and unclean water, further aggravating the situation.
In response, the MNVS has urged the PMC to take immediate and comprehensive steps to address these issues:
– Relocate Students: Move students to the Mayor’s residence or another suitable building in better condition.
– Repair Infrastructure: Fix and maintain the solar energy system and dangerous electrical conditions in the building.
– Restore Lift and Toilets: Repair the non-functional lift and address issues with toilets, including faucets and doors.
– Improve Health and Safety: Install emergency lights on each floor and replace expired fire safety equipment with new fire-resistant sub-centers.
– Upgrade Living Conditions: Conduct a structural audit of the building, improve the quality of student meals, and ensure hot water is available for bathing.
The MNVS has also highlighted the need for immediate financial support for the families of the deceased students, whose hospital bills amounted to 3 to 4 lakh rupees after inadequate treatment at PMC hospitals. The organization demands that the PMC cover these costs and ensure proper medical care for the remaining students.
This urgent appeal underscores the critical need for the PMC to take full responsibility and implement necessary measures to safeguard the lives and health of the students at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel.
