Bengaluru: Bangalore University(BU) has decided to build four watchtowers at four corners strategic points in order to prevent crimes such as sandalwood theft and other illegal activities inside Jnana Bharathi Campus.
Sources told this paper that the University is facing herculean task to safeguard its 1,112-acre property. It has to ensure safety of students inside the campus and those staying in hostels, prevent the entry of anti-social elements and stop encroachment of land.
As the campus is home to thousands of sandalwood and teak trees, thefts of these trees happen regularly. There have also been incidents of unidentified people stalking women and roaming outside girls’ hostel at night. Recently, a decomposed body of a man was spotted inside the campus, sparking panic among the students.
Of the 1,112 acres of land, over 100 acres of campus land has been encroached by vested interests and land dispute related to these cases have been pending at various courts.
The watchtowers will be built using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds extended by various companies. These towers will be equipped with high resolution surveillance cameras.
Tree census
The varsity is also planning to conduct a tree census and formulate plans to protect the trees inside the campus.
