-Excelsior/Firdous Ahmad
Entire campus to be completed in 3 years: VC
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Apr 5: The Central University of Kashmir has proposed a comprehensive developmental project worth over Rs 500 crores as part of its master plan initiative to the Ministry of Education, aiming to revamp the University’s infrastructure at its Tulmulla campus in Ganderbal district.
With an aim to complete the campus within the next three years, the initiative comes after years of operating without a permanent campus, hampering its ability to attract students and function effectively.
Since its inception in 2009, the University has been operating without a permanent campus, relying on rented accommodations in various parts of Ganderbal. However, there has been notable progress in construction work at the main Tulmulla campus especially in recent months.
Ravindra Nath, the vice chancellor, highlighted the university’s ambitious plans. “Our goal is to have the entire campus ready within three years. We have proposed new projects totalling Rs 500 crores, focusing on eight separate academic blocks as well as hostels for boys and girls,” he said.
Addressing challenges such as poor land quality, Professor Nath mentioned recommendations from the ministry’s technical committee, including innovative solutions like pile foundations and strategies for managing water in marshy areas to establish a sustainable ‘net zero campus’ model.
Dr. Shahid Rasool, Dean of Academic Affairs, underscored ongoing efforts towards comprehensive infrastructure development, with a focus on relocating departments and revising the master plan for future expansions. Addressing immediate concerns, he mentioned interim arrangements for student accommodation. “While awaiting the completion of hostels, makeshift arrangements have been made to accommodate students from remote areas,” he said.
Dr. Rasool also provided an update on the status of ongoing construction. “The science block is complete, and prefabricated buildings under construction are nearly finished. We hope to relocate there by June. Work is also underway in various stages on smaller blocks, such as academic and language blocks,” he said.
Local residents echoed optimism regarding the project’s progress, urging expedited completion while advocating for employment opportunities for locals. “The pace of work has increased recently. We urge the government to prioritize local employment and ensure timely completion of projects,” Zahoor Ahmad, a local, said.