Puttur: Students of the Government Women’s Degree College staged a protest on Wednesday, expressing anger over severe dust pollution inside classrooms allegedly caused by ongoing hospital construction work nearby. The worsening conditions reportedly made it difficult for students to sit through lectures, forcing many to walk out and demonstrate.
According to students, continuous construction activity adjacent to the campus has been generating heavy dust for several weeks. They said repeated exposure has created an unhealthy classroom environment, affecting both concentration and attendance. With no immediate mitigation steps in place, frustration among students grew, culminating in a coordinated protest.
Students say repeated pleas brought no relief
Protesting students stated that the issue had been brought to the attention of the college administration multiple times. They claimed that despite internal representations and complaints, the situation persisted without meaningful intervention from concerned authorities.
Students alleged that layers of dust were settling on desks, floors and teaching materials on a daily basis. Many said they were forced to cover their faces with scarves and masks during classes. Some also expressed concern about possible health risks, including respiratory irritation and allergies due to prolonged exposure.
According to student representatives, the college principal had already written to concerned officials requesting that the institution be temporarily shifted to an alternate building until the nearby construction work reaches a safer stage. However, they said no concrete action had followed.
Walkout and street protest
On Wednesday, the situation reportedly worsened as construction activity intensified, leading to excessive dust accumulation inside multiple classrooms. Angered by the conditions, students walked out in the middle of sessions and gathered outside the campus before taking their protest onto the street.
They raised slogans demanding immediate relocation of classes and implementation of dust-control measures at the construction site. Protesters said their primary demand was the right to a safe and clean learning environment.
Traffic movement in the immediate area was briefly affected as students assembled in groups and voiced their grievances. Police personnel later monitored the situation to ensure it remained peaceful.
MLA–principal exchange turns heated
During the protest, local MLA Ashok Kumar Rai arrived at the spot and interacted with students and college authorities. Eyewitnesses said he questioned the principal regarding the reasons behind the agitation and the handling of the situation.
This led to a heated verbal exchange between the MLA and Principal Vedashree Nithya. The principal reportedly objected to the tone and nature of the questioning and responded firmly, stating that the problem was neither sudden nor unknown.
She pointed out that it was common sense that large-scale construction activity would generate dust and said she had repeatedly approached elected representatives and officials seeking temporary relocation of the college. According to her, several requests had been submitted earlier, but no decision had been taken so far.
Sources present during the exchange said the principal strongly defended the students’ protest, maintaining that their anger was justified given the classroom conditions.
Health and safety concerns highlighted
Faculty members and students said the issue goes beyond inconvenience and touches on health and safety. They noted that prolonged exposure to construction dust in enclosed classrooms can lead to breathing difficulty and other health complaints.
Students urged authorities to either install effective dust barriers and control systems at the construction site or shift classes to an alternate facility until the work is completed. They said continuing academic activity in the current environment would affect learning outcomes and well-being.
Awaiting official response
Following the protest, students dispersed after submitting their demands verbally to officials present. College authorities are expected to send a fresh report to higher education authorities outlining the urgency of the matter.
No formal announcement had been made till evening regarding temporary relocation or additional protective measures. Students said they would continue to press for action if conditions do not improve soon.
The incident highlights the growing friction that can arise when major construction projects operate close to educational institutions without adequate environmental safeguards. Students and staff alike say a quick administrative decision is needed to restore normal academic functioning.