HYDERABAD: A substantial slab of limestone detached and fell to the ground when renovation work was being done at Arts College, the historic Osmania University College of Science and Arts, this week, raising concerns about the safety of both workers and members of the academic community.
The incident has ignited discussions about the urgency of ensuring the structural integrity of this iconic building.
The Arts College, renowned for its history and contribution to the region's education as well as politics, has been undergoing long-awaited renovation works. The college, established in 1918, holds significant cultural and academic importance.
The fallen cement patch was adjacent to the dome of the structure. Students and faculty members have expressed their anxieties about the incident, shedding light on the potential dangers that surround the ongoing work.
"It's scary to think that we attend classes just a stone's throw away from the ongoing construction. This incident raises questions about the measures in place to keep us safe," said a final-year public administration student.
"I've seen cracks in the walls and pillars for a while now. The falling cement is just a reminder of the risks everyone here is exposed to on a daily basis," said a science major adding that it is a wake-up call for authorities to make quick calls for the safety of the students and the labourers.
OU Vice Chancellor Prof. D. Ravinder called the incident unfortunate and said that the workers had been asked to be more cautious. "The limestone is a century old and weak, and a portion fell before anybody could notice. I hope once the works on the terrace are completed, following the fixing of the seepage issues, everything will go on at record speed," he said.
Prof. Ravinder added that a comprehensive safety assessment would be worked upon and additional measures would be implemented to ensure the well-being of all individuals present on the campus.
