Mini shopping complex at Panjab University filthy, authorities prefer to ‘turn blind eye’

Deepankar Sharda

Chandigarh, July 28

Cleanliness goes for a toss at the Panjab University mini shopping complex located in the south (residential) area of the campus. With waste lying in the vicinity of shops, which have remained closed for a while now, it gives a filthy look, thanks to the ignorance of the authorities concerned.

Bio-medical waste products of a closed dental shop, which include plastics wrappers, gloves, masks and other things have been lying in the open for months now, claimed some residents.

Over 250 families of teaching and non-teaching staff reside on the Sector 25 campus, which includes prominent administrative officers like the Registrar, DSW(M), DSW(W), Panjab University Teachers Association office-bearers , directors/chairpersons of various departments, besides over six members of the governing body.

“Wooden racks, counters and doors of closed shops have been lying in the open for a couple of months. Dilapidated and condemned wooden shop cabinets give an ugly look,” said one of the faculty members of the university.

Another resident added that, “Unlike the main campus, the mini-shopping complex in Sector 25 has been under neglect for years now. There’s wild growth of vegetation across the complex.”

In 2014, a few departments — microbiology, biophysics, biochemistry, biotechnology, Centre for Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Nano Science and Nanotechnology and Centre for Public Health (UIEAST) — were shifted from the north campus (Sector 14) to the south campus. While the south campus for students has been developed, the residential area lacks the same treatment as the main campus. “The area should have better facilities like the main campus, but it lacks even basic facilities. This is a mini shopping complex, but shops remain closed most of the time. While there was a plan to build a student centre on the south campus at a cost of Rs 10 crore, the authorities should also raise some concern with regard to the university’s property lying unattended,” stated another faculty member. `

Interestingly, the main motto of the green policy of the Panjab University is “Keep Campus Clean and Green”. The university campus is located in Sector 14 and 25, spread across an area of almost 550 acres. Of the total 550 acres, around 56 per cent area in Sector 14 and 52.2 per cent area in Sector 25 is green area.

“The horticulture division had notified all departments to discourage the use of single-use plastic. However, the authorities watch this litter (at the mini shopping complex) every day and still no action has been taken. If the shops are closed for one or another reason, the cleanliness should be done regularly,” added a nearby resident.