Water scarcity hits DU. Students allege they are forced to go thirsty during the ongoing annual examinations
Water scarcity hits DU. Students allege they are forced to go thirsty during the ongoing annual examinations
The fact that several Delhi University students have fainted in the last few days while attempting the ongoing annual examinations is no reflection on the question papers. The cause is simply the unavailability of drinking water. The exams that began in May will continue till the first week of June. If the searing heat wasn't enough trouble, scarcity of water during the three-hour-long exams has created havoc among students. Also, as per the university's rules, mineral water bottles are not allowed inside rooms during the tests. As a result, students have been left high and dry. 
The problem has been persisting for some time now. A group of students from various colleges on north campus - including Miranda House, Kirorimal College (KMC) and Hansraj College - approached the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) to raise the issue. "The heat is simply unbearable these days; sitting for three hours without water is absolutely draining. The exams are still going on. We have no idea how we will survive this way," said Natasha Malik, a second-year BCom student of Miranda House.
Harsh Mittal, a final-year student of KMC said: "I think this is the first time such huge shortage of water has been seen during exams. Also, due to the semester system, exams have been delayed in the hottest months and scarcity of water has caused chaos among students. Cold water during the exam hours is a rare luxury."
However, teachers have a different point of view. Dr Adarsh Gulati, professor, Miranda House expressed concern over the matter, but denied any massive shortage.
"It is extremely hot these days. But we ensure that students are provided enough water in the three hours of writing the exams. At times, it might happen that cold water is unavailable."u00a0 When MiD DAY spoke to Deputy Dean, Students Welfare, Dr Gurpreet Singh Tuteja, he said he was not aware of any such problem. "I have not received any complaints so far. If the problem has occurred in a few colleges, they should take it seriously. I think the colleges can help the students by making alternate arrangements for water."u00a0u00a0 
Same Story down south
On May 11, MiD DAY had reported the travails of students at Delhi University's south campus colleges, who are having to deal with the problem of water scarcity. There is no water to drink; even the restroom taps are running dry, resulting in an uncomfortable situation. The colleges that are bearing the brunt include Motilal Nehru College, Ram Lal Anand (RLA) College, Venkateshwara College and Atma Ram Sanatan Dharm (ARSD) College. Apart from it, Lady Sri Ram (LSR) College and Maitreyi College have faced similar problems intermittently since the summer season started.
A number of students gathered to complain about the issue to the office of the director, south campus recently. Annoyed students claim that it has been more than three days since the colleges have received a single drop of water. Most students say that there is no option for them but to buy bottled water from the cafeteria. "I have received complaints from the students of no drinking water in certain colleges. We are working on the issue and hope to resolve the matter as soon as possible. We have been speaking to the Delhi Jal Board and they have assured us of fixing the problem in a day or two," said Manoj Arora, deputy proctor of south campus.
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