Mangaluru: The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, has introduced a series of precautionary and food safety measures after more than 100 hostel students reportedly fell ill following the institute’s cultural festival, Virasat, held from February 4 to 8 on the campus.
According to institute sources, students from two hostel blocks reported symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea over the past few days. Most of the affected students received primary treatment at the campus health care centre and were treated on an outpatient basis.
The incident has triggered concern among students and parents, especially as a similar episode of food-related illness was reported on campus last year.
Students report stomach infections and food quality concerns
Mangaluru campus sources said the complaints began emerging within days of the multi-day cultural festival, which saw increased footfall and temporary food arrangements on campus. Affected students reported gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with suspected food contamination.
Some students alleged that the quality of food served in hostel messes during this period was poor and claimed that insects and worms were found in certain meals. Students from the affected hostels said they experienced discomfort after eating either at mess facilities or festival food stalls.
Student representatives informally raised concerns about food hygiene and called for stricter monitoring of both mess kitchens and temporary festival vendors.
Director says illness linked to external food stalls
In a press statement, NITK Director B Ravi said that external food stalls had been permitted on campus during Virasat at the request of students, as part of the festival arrangements. Based on preliminary findings, some of the reported illness cases are believed to be linked to food consumed at these outside stalls.
He said students who reported symptoms were immediately provided medical care at the institute’s health care centre and kept under observation where required.
“Preliminary evidence indicates contaminated food served by vendors as the likely cause. Most cases were mild and managed on an outpatient basis. The number of cases has since declined, and affected students are recovering under medical supervision,” the director stated.
Temporary ban on outside food and select items
Mangaluru NITK authorities have imposed a temporary one-week ban on outside food items on campus as a preventive step. In addition, the institute has restricted the serving and sale of paneer and non-vegetarian dishes during this period as an added safety measure.
Officials said the move is precautionary and intended to reduce the risk of further contamination while inspections and testing are underway.
Hostel mess operators have been given additional instructions on food handling, storage and preparation standards. Kitchen processes are being reviewed and reinforced with immediate effect.
Water quality checks and cooking restrictions
As part of the safety response, the institute has conducted inspections of all water purification systems across the campus. Authorities said all water filters have been checked and found to be functioning properly.
Water samples from various points on campus have been sent to external laboratories for testing, and reports are awaited. Until results are received, additional cautionary steps have been introduced.
Hostel messes have been directed to use only purified water for cooking and drinking purposes. The direct use of tap water for food preparation has been banned, and students have been strongly advised not to drink tap water directly anywhere on campus.
The institute clarified that the water supply network serving academic blocks and residential hostels is the same as that used in staff residential quarters, where no similar health complaints have been reported so far.
Coordination with health authorities
NITK Surathkal, which houses around 7,000 students in hostels, is coordinating with local health authorities to investigate the incident and recommend further preventive measures. Health officials are expected to review food handling practices, vendor operations and sanitation standards linked to the festival period.
The institute said it will also review and strengthen guidelines governing external food vendors permitted during large campus events. Compliance with food safety norms, licensing requirements and hygiene standards will be made more stringent going forward.
Measures planned for future events
Institute authorities indicated that future cultural and student festivals will see tighter controls on temporary food stalls, including stricter screening, mandatory certifications and on-site inspections.
Officials said the objective is to balance student event activities with robust public health safeguards. With most affected students recovering and new cases declining, the situation is stated to be under control, though monitoring continues.
Conclusion
The post-festival illness outbreak at NITK Surathkal has prompted swift containment and preventive steps, including food restrictions, water testing and vendor rule reviews. Authorities say the focus is now on full recovery of affected students and strengthening systems to prevent recurrence during future campus events.