JNTUH students protest unhygienic conditions, lack of hostels

Hyderabad:Leaking drainage pipes, unhygienic surroundings and a severe shortage of hostel accommodations have created unbearable living conditions for students at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH). Students painted a grim picture of hostel life, citing drainage leaks that cause waste to seep between floors and stagnant water near the Spandana block and canteen. “The conditions in the hostels are appalling. How can students focus on their studies when they can’t even sleep due to mosquitoes and the stench? We need immediate solutions,” a student told Deccan Chronicle.

At a protest organised by the Students Protection Forum and JNTUH Protection Force, students highlighted the lack of adequate hostel facilities.

They complained that many were forced to stay in expensive private accommodations because of the limited availability of rooms on campus. “Students who secure high ranks and come here with high hopes are financially and emotionally distressed due to the lack of affordable housing,” added Shiva Krishna, another student leader.

One of the primary demands is the conversion of RSQ1, which currently houses only a handful of occupants, into a boys’ hostel to accommodate 250-300 students. Protestors argued that this would significantly ease the burden on students, who are struggling with exorbitant private hostel fees.

Other demands included a reduction in the `1 lakh fee for the BTech IDP course to `50,000, with the government bearing the cost and immediate replacement of negligent housekeeping and security agencies. Students also called for the resolution of drainage leaks, provision of clean drinking water, regular maintenance of water purifiers and ensuring overall hygiene in hostel premises.

“This university has been turned into a place of distress instead of learning,” said Rahul Nayak, another student leader, adding that the lack of timely action from the administration is further demoralising students. Krishna added, “How can a premier university expect students to thrive academically when basic needs like hygiene and accommodation are ignored?”

A memorandum of these demands was submitted to university officials, with students warning of larger protests if the administration fails to act promptly. “If these issues are not resolved soon, we will intensify our agitation,” the protestors said, determined to hold the administration accountable.