HPU students protest seeking central heating system in library 

Dishant Jaryal, a law student at HPU, said, “The university was established in 1970, and even after five decades, we are still using kerosene heaters. This doesn’t reflect a lack of resources but a lack of concern for students’ welfare. Installing a central heating system, which is already in place in other government departments in Shimla, is our long-pending demand. Every year, students raise the issue, and every year, the university authorities do nothing.” Jaryal participated in the protest organised by the ABVP on the campus on Friday.

Highlighting the health risks associated with kerosene heaters, Shalini Sharma, an MSc final-semester student, said, “It’s well established that kerosene heaters are harmful to the health. They release carbon monoxide and other pollutants, which have adverse effects on the human body. The heaters are placed in the corners of a few rooms, and students take turns warming themselves. How can anyone concentrate on studying in such conditions? Moreover, kerosene heaters demand repairs and are much more expensive than the one time expense incurred on a central heating system.”

Librarian Prof Umesh Kumar, who is also the chairman of the Department of Library and Information Science, said that Shimla experiences heavy snowfall during winter, which often disrupts power supply in many parts of the city. “This is the primary reason why kerosene heaters are used. However, the snowfall intensity has reduced over the years, and the demand for a central heating system from students has increased. The university authorities have proposed a central heating system, but it is yet to be implemented,” he said.

Terming the frequent power cuts during snowfalls a “lame excuse”, SFI secretary Ritish Suryavanshi said, “If power cuts are the issue, then why aren’t kerosene heaters used in all government offices, hospitals, and departments in Shimla? Last year, SFI activists filed an RTI seeking information about the status of the central heating system proposal for the library. We were informed that a grant of Rs. 6.50 lakh was sanctioned, most of which was spent on constructing a boiler room below the library. But we couldn’t find any such boiler room.”

He added that students begin preparing for competitive exams in November and December, which is precisely when they face the most inconvenience due to the inadequate heating facilities in the library.

A faculty member added that in the administrative block, electric and kerosene heaters are used but these departments are closed after sunset.