Hyderabad: Osmania University law college building crumbles

The University College of Law at Osmania University is severely damaged due to water seepage. Rain entered the library, damaging books and electricals. With repair works stalled, students and staff fear for their safety as the building’s condition continues to worsen

Hyderabad: The University College of Law building on the Osmania University campus here is facing severe structural deterioration issues. The 65-year-old structure has alarming signs of damage due to the water seepage, which is now threatening students, faculty and academic resources.

During the recent downpour, rainwater drained into the library through the cracks in the ceiling, soaking books, shelves and electrical switchboards. With continued water seepage issue, the ceilings have peeled off at several places, exposing iron beams.

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Constructed in 1960, the building was inaugurated by the then Chief Justice of India, BP Sinha. Now, the building’s first floor is in bad condition, with visible marks of water seepage. Adding to the woes, the water seepage has created a perfect ground for the vegetative growth, including algae and grass.

“During recent rains, water from the rooftop directly entered the library. Though not much damage was done to books and shelves, the situation is alarming,” said a third-year law student.

The building’s deterioration aggravated as the restoration works were stalled for several months. The Atactic Polypropylene (APP) membrane sheets, also called Tar sheets, which covered the rooftops to arrest water seepage, were removed for re-carpeting and waterproofing works. However, the works never resumed, affecting the building’s structural stability.

“The issue has aggravated in the last couple of months. Whenever it rains, the books and shelves are covered. We fear that the first floor might come down,” said an official, requesting anonymity.

According to sources, apart from restoration works, the college has chalked out a detailed plan for constructing another academic block for UG and PG programmes.

When contacted, Osmania University Vice Chancellor Prof M Kumar, said the issue was not new to the college.

“However, we have given a nod for a new classroom complex, which will come up on the campus. In fact, we have placed some amount in the university budget and asked the college to look for matching grants from its alumni. From the Rs 1,000 crore grant announced by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, we will be taking up repair and construction of new buildings and hostels,” Prof Kumar added.