YEAR-LONG EFFORT, SAY VARSITIES

Universities across the state have failed to make it to the Swachhta Ranking list announced by Union minister Prakash Javedkar despite month-long preparations. The Centre judged 3,500 colleges on greenery, campus accessibility and waste disposal.

Mr V. Venkata Ramana, vice-chairman of the Telangana State Council of Higher Education, said that despite the setback, it was imperative to continues the efffort throughout the year. “Campus greenery is essential and recycling should be implemented.” A university official said that although there was constant support from students and faculty members in cleanliness drives, a month-long effort cannot change a campus.

An official from UoH said, “We hope to continue to conduct greenery drives to ensure that our rankings increase. To ensure the overall cleanliness in a campus, support from students, faculty and non-teaching staff is needed and should be encouraged by the education board.”

Ms Vineetha Balakrishnan, a UoH faculty member said, “The effort was taken up with gusto by students and faculty members but if the same dedication is not shown throughout the year, it won’t work.”

The rankings which focused on waste disposal methods took into account hygienic methods of waste disposal for sanitary napkins also. Students claim that despite pleas to administration for incinerators, few are available.

Ms Meghna Deepak, a student, said, “The issue of incinerators is picked up during elections but we keep seeing failed promises every year.”

TO ENSURE the overall cleanliness in a campus, support from students, faculty and non-teaching staff is needed.