Dilapidated portions of the building pose a threat at K.A.P Viswanatham Medical College in Tiruchi.
| Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY
The dilapidated state of the auditorium and other buildings at the K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College in Tiruchi has raised safety concerns and brought to fore the need for carrying out regular repairs and maintenance on the 28-year-old campus.
The college was established in 1997 with an initial student strength of 100 that was increased to 150 from 2013.
On most days, the shaded entrance to the college auditorium serves more as a car parking spot. With damaged signage and exposed sections of rebar on the roofing and lintels, the outer facade presents a picture of neglect. The seats and other furnishings inside appeared to be falling apart.
The stage curtains were torn in several places and were secured with old furniture. Missing false ceiling tiles and peeling wall paint added to the shabby appearance. Other buildings on the campus seem to be in need of upkeep.
When contacted by The Hindu, college dean S. Kumaravel said: “We are awaiting funds from various government agencies to carry out civic works. Except for minor repairs, no significant maintenance work has been commissioned in the past 10 to 15 years on the campus. We have submitted a proposal for funding lifts in the medical college, PET scan installation and sealing the gaps in the compound wall under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram.”
The college receives a daily water supply of five lakh litres and steps are on to increase it to eight lakh litres. “The college needs additional hostels for students. Even if on a sharing basis, the rooms must be spacious enough,” he said.
Some residents said alumni of the college, many of whom went on to serve in senior government positions, could have taken steps to improve the maintenance of their alma mater.
Published – June 28, 2025 06:16 pm IST