Special Correspondent
Pune: A rat infestation in the hostels of Savitribai Phule Pune University has raised significant health and hygiene concerns among students. The situation has escalated in recent months, with rats causing various disturbances, including one alarming incident where a student was bitten, requiring hospitalization. This event has drawn the attention of Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Vice Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, who has called for swift intervention from the university administration.
Despite repeated complaints from students about unhygienic conditions, the problem remains largely unaddressed. The growing rat population has not only been damaging students’ personal belongings but has also contributed to the proliferation of mosquitoes and other pests due to poor cleanliness, posing a severe health risk to those living in the hostels.
In response to these issues, Dr. Gorhe has urged the university’s Vice-Chancellor to take immediate action. She has recommended launching comprehensive cleanliness drives, implementing measures to eliminate the rat infestation, and ensuring consistent monitoring to prevent recurrence. Furthermore, she has called for the appointment of a dedicated officer to oversee student health and hygiene concerns.
Savitribai Phule Pune University, which holds a prominent position in Maharashtra for its academic and research achievements, is now grappling with these growing challenges. Dr. Gorhe stressed that the university must prioritize creating a safe and clean environment to ensure the health and well-being of its students.
