Delhi University's Hostel for Women crying out for attention

NEW DELHI: The University Hostel for Women at Delhi University seeks more attention than ever.

Even though the renovation is apparently still under progress, the hostel premises remain in a dilapidated condition. The roofs are in a horrible state, water is seeping through the roof and only 90 to 95 seats have been filled, despite the hostel having a total of 320 seats.

According to a resident of the hostel, "Anyone who visits the hostel is greeted with construction debris. The roofs of washrooms are dilapidated, with parts of paint peeling off likely due to moisture.

Another inmate says, "The poor condition of the building in such a short span of time shows the corruption that is going on here. Low-quality construction material has resulted in this condition of the building."

"The cleanliness in and around the hostel is also poor. Moreover, the geysers installed at block C are a threat to life. Wi-Fi is not made accessible to all the blocks in spite of repetitive requests.

"Interestingly, the visitor's room, common room, audio visual aid, sufficient water coolers, sufficient washing machines, computer room, medical aid room, fridge are not available, despite authorities charging us for these facilities," another inmate rues.

Additionally, another student claims, there has been "no appointment of a resident tutor and warden for some time. There is no residential hostel authority in the hostel, who can take responsibility during emergency situations at night. Resultantly, residents are forced to leave the hostel in sickness for the guardian's place," another student points out.

She further said that the solar panels, which are supposed to cater to the water requirements in three blocks, have not been working and are in a dilapidated condition.

"In spite of many complaints, water has continuously been overflowing from the collecting tank for the past one-and-a-half years and the area has become the breeding hub of mosquitoes. Two students were detected with dengue during this semester," she said.