Hyderabad: A day after Deccan Chronicle highlighted the poor living conditions at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH) hostels, university officials conducted surprise inspections on Saturday, addressing the cleanliness issues and other challenges faced by students.
Vice Chancellor Dr V. Balakista Reddy, registrar K. Venkateshwar Rao, and principal Dr. G.V. Narasimha Reddy visited the Manjeera, Kinnera, Krishna, and Gowthami Boys Hostels. Deccan Chronicle on Saturday had reported of the drainage leaks, unhygienic surroundings, stagnant water, mosquito infestations, and the severe shortage of hostel accommodations.
During the inspection, the officials dined with students to directly understand their grievances. Immediate instructions were issued to resolve the long-standing issues raised by students.
One key action included directions to convert the Gowthami Hostel cellar into a parking area, a request students had voiced during the interaction. This swift response demonstrated the administration’s willingness to act promptly on student feedback.
Dr Reddy stressed the importance of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment on campus. “The administration is committed to ensuring a comfortable and productive living environment for students. Any challenges will be addressed without delay,” he stated.
The surprise inspections follow Deccan Chronicle’s report, which shed light on leaking drainage pipes causing waste to seep between floors, stagnant water near the Spandana block and canteen, and a lack of adequate housing that forced many students into costly private accommodations. Protestors, organised by the Students Protection Forum and JNTUH Protection Force, had demanded immediate intervention, including the conversion of RSQ1 into a boys’ hostel to accommodate 250-300 students.
While the inspection brought some relief to students, questions remain about the other issues highlighted in the report, including the persistent drainage problems, hygiene lapses, and a demand to reduce the BTech IDP course fee. Students are now watching closely to see if the administration will take further steps to address these concerns comprehensively.
“We appreciate the visit and the immediate actions taken, but we hope this is just the beginning of a larger effort to improve hostel facilities,” said Rahul Nayak, a student leader who had participated in the protests.
Students have warned that unless all demands, including improved sanitation and increased accommodation capacity, are met promptly, protests may intensify. For now, the administration’s proactive response has provided a glimmer of hope that JNTUH’s hostels may soon turn into a place conducive to both living and learning.
