Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sanctioned a tender worth ₹63.98 lakh for urgent repair and maintenance work at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel on Ghole Road, Pune.
The decision follows the unfortunate deaths of two hostel students in August due to dengue, which sparked an uproar and raised concerns about the safety and hygiene conditions in the hostel.
The tragic deaths of the two students in August highlighted the grave issues within the hostel, with student organizations leading protests against the PMC administration.
The incident brought sharp criticism towards the municipal authorities for neglecting basic infrastructure and health safety measures at the hostel.
Following this, PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale visited the site for an inspection, and MNS leader Amit Thackeray also personally visited to meet and discuss issues with the students.
In an attempt to pacify the situation, the PMC arranged health check-ups and made some immediate but minor improvements to the hostel’s amenities. However, despite these efforts, many more cases of dengue were reported from the facility, underscoring the need for a comprehensive overhaul.
With growing pressure and heightened awareness of the dire conditions, the PMC has now approved the allocation of ₹63.98 lakh for essential repairs at the hostel.
The funds will be utilized to improve critical infrastructure, including the repair of restrooms, water pipelines, drainage systems, doors, windows, leakage control, and flooring. These improvements aim to ensure better hygiene and living conditions for the students residing at the hostel.
The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel serves as a home for students from grade 11 through undergraduate levels, with a capacity of 400 students spread across 108 rooms.
The repair work is expected to begin soon, bringing much-needed relief to the students and ensuring their safety and health are prioritized in the future.
