OU lands getting usurped inch by inch

Hyderabad: The inability of university officials, along with government’s apathy, is leading to encroachment of precious lands of Osmania University. The university which was established in 1918 had possessed 1500 acres, in which hundreds of acres of land has been usurped.As many as 52 departments have been set up in the varsity and 24 hostels have been constructed for students pursuing courses there.

Professors and staff are living in the quarters provided to them. About 185 acres have been leased to various public and private institutes like National Institute of Nutrition, Institute of Public Enterprises and Centre for Social and Economic Studies.This apart, there are unauthorized dwellings spread over 24 acres and are being used by the poor and downtrodden. Some are even constructing houses and selling to others at hefty amounts.

It has been reported that they have been backed by local politicians. Officials are turning a blind eye to the land grabbing and don’t dare to prevent the illegal constructions in the varsity.Also. the varsity is turning out to be a joint for anti-social activities. Some people, especially after sun sets, indulge in drinking and other activities in secluded lonely places and some Romeos are seen along with girls disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the varsity. 

Some are using the playgrounds for drinking alcohol and creating the nuisance. They are repeatedly indulging in quarrels and verbal brawls. Since the university has entrances on all sides it is difficult for security to prevent them from entering the premises. Student organizations are seeking that government remove encroachments and beef up security at main places then only it would be possible to stop such kind of activities.

Officials had planned to remove encroachments and construct a compound wall around university, but it was not implemented at field level. Estate cell director Pro N Venkateshwarlu said that they are planning to remove the encroachments as soon as possible and everyone should cooperate to safeguard the lands of University.