Dengue Outbreak at GNLU Sparks Student Protest Over Water and Food Safety

Students Demand Immediate Action on Health and Sanitation Crisis

Students at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar, have boycotted classes and launched a protest over what they describe as deteriorating health, water, and sanitation conditions on campus. In a formal statement of demands submitted to the university administration, the student body outlined 12 urgent measures, including an independent health audit, immediate repairs to sewage systems, and the suspension of offline classes until the campus is declared safe.

Health Concerns Mount

The protest follows reports of a significant outbreak of dengue and other illnesses. According to a student-run magazine, at least 93 dengue cases have been recorded, along with 58 cases of a viral illness and 20 cases of food poisoning linked to mess food. Students also claim to have found worms in water bottles and a blade in rice, raising serious concerns about food safety and water quality.

The students' demands specifically call for comprehensive microbiological testing of drinking water, installation of RO filters on all hostel floors, and 24/7 medical staffing at the campus medical centre. "Only one person is reportedly stationed with the ambulance for 24-hour coverage, which is insufficient for the number of students on campus," the statement read.

University's Response

GNLU Registrar Dr. Nitin Malik acknowledged the receipt of the demands and said the university is working on the issues. "We are on it. The administration is continuously keeping a watch and we are taking all precautions," he said. He added that water and food test reports are being obtained from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) . However, he downplayed the severity, stating that "the situation is not as bad as described" and that faculty members also eat at the mess.

Key Demands

Among the key demands are:

  • An independent health and safety audit by qualified external experts.
  • Regular public reporting on water quality, food safety, and sanitation.
  • Permanent repair of sewage leaks and comprehensive mosquito control.
  • A written academic plan with options for online classes and rescheduled assessments.
  • A fair medical exemption mechanism for exams.

The students have warned that they will not resume offline classes until their demands are substantially fulfilled. "Offline classes and physical campus activities should resume only once the necessary corrective measures have been implemented and a safe, hygienic and genuinely liveable campus has been restored," the statement said.

Next Steps

The university has scheduled a meeting with student representatives to discuss the demands. Following assurances from the administration, the students have temporarily called off the protest pending the outcome of the meeting.

This incident highlights the growing concerns over student welfare and institutional accountability in higher education institutions across the country.