Pune: Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel on Ghole Road is slated for redevelopment following the recent deaths of two students due to dengue and the infection of 30 to 40 others.
The incident prompted a thorough inspection by senior officials of the Municipal Corporation, which uncovered significant deterioration of the hostel's infrastructure.
In response, Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B. P. has directed the Municipal Corporation's construction department to prepare a proposal for the hostel's redevelopment.
Despite substantial funds being allocated annually for the hostel's maintenance, the inspection revealed that doors, windows, and various sections of the building are in a state of disrepair.
As a result, the decision has been made to demolish the old structure and construct a new, modern hostel. The redevelopment plan is expected to move forward swiftly, with immediate action to prevent further inconvenience to the students.
To accommodate the students during the redevelopment, the Municipal Corporation plans to provide temporary housing, either in a nearby municipal school or another facility.
Alternatively, the administration may offer monthly allowances for accommodation and meals through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The redevelopment will also focus on increasing the hostel's capacity, with an emphasis on completing the project in the shortest possible timeframe.
Ten students at the Ambedkar Hostel had been diagnosed with dengue and subsequently treated at municipal hospitals. PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale had ordered health checks for all students in the hostel. These students were treated at Kamla Nehru Hospital and Baner Hospital.
