Termites hit century-old Arts,Technology faculty buildings in MSU

Sources said despite numerous requests by department heads as well as the deans past many months,nothing has been done even as the trail of termite tunnels is evident in the classrooms,doors,passageways,ladders and lavatories of Arts and Technology faculty.

The Technology faculty,also known as Kala Bhavan,is one of the oldest faculties of the university; both the faculties were built nearly 100 years ago. The total number of students enrolled in Arts faculty is 5,185 in 2008-09,while in technology faculty,it is 3,267.

In the Faculty of Arts,the termite infestation is specifically found in classrooms number 15,16,17 and 18. The termites in both the faculties have despoiled the walls right from the base,which has weakened the foundation of the building.

Dean of Technology faculty Prof Bhuvan Parekh said,“My head of the department had asked for the anti-termite treatment nearly a year ago. However,since the university could not take up the work properly,we will take up the matter again. Anti-termite treatment is not a costly affair. It gets costly because the faculty is big as well as old. It needs continuous check-up.”

Prof Parekh had already written to the university engineer to begin the exercise this time. However,no step has been taken up yet,he added.

Dean of Arts Faculty Prof Nitin Vyas has already written to the university engineer,but the anti-termite programme has not taken up its full pace.

The faculty officials said the anti-termite treatment should be taken up in specific time intervals,but that requires planning which is not being done. Officials added that nearly Rs 1.2 lakh funds have been given for the maintenance of the buildings. But only Rs 40,000 has been used till date.

When Newsline contacted University Engineer N K Ojha refused to comment.

Meanwhile,Prof Uday Shelat,head of Architect department,said: “The termite tunnels are generally right from the base of any foundation in such old buildings. It is very important to pay attention on the cracks where the termite infestation is visible as this can further destroy the entire building.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof Ramesh Goyal,when contacted,said: “I will try to inquire into the issue.”