HYDERABAD: While states like Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala have already declared themselves ‘Open-Defecation Free’, here in city is a State University celebrating its centenary even as some of its students bathe and defecate in the open. The Osmania University administration has, however, brushed it aside as an ‘exaggeration’ on the part of students and have gone to the extent of saying that “students prefer it, so they do it”.
E2 hostel, constructed in 1962 and reportedly not renovated since, is located next to the university press and also on the stretch towards vice-chancellor’s lodge on campus. A number of youngsters are seen taking a shower in the open beside the water tank everyday which is an eyesore.
The university registrar, Ch Gopal Reddy, when contacted, said, “We are aware that the old hostels are not in a good condition. Hence with the government aid we will definitely build new hostels. In the coming days, we will submit our proposal for expenditure for centenary year.” The official, further, promising to look into the issue of lack of sanitation in hostels, said, “Students being compelled to defecate in the open is an exaggeration.”
A few students from E2 hostel said that they are denied the basic living conditions. Moorthi, a student, said, “On an average, we have one toilet per ten students.” The warden of ‘E2 hostel’ Jitender Reddy denied the issue and said that the students bathe in the open as they prefer bathing with drinking water over boring water.
Govardhan, another student, quipped, “In many rooms, you will find ten students adjusting on five beds. Due to lack of drinking water, we often fill up water from other hostels on the campus.” According to some students, the condition is pathetic in C, B and D hostels too.