PHAILIN: Berhampur University suffers heavy damage

The campus now resembles a war-ravaged area

Sports complex of Berhampur University totally damaged

Berhampur University, once known as for its lush green campus with thousands of casuarinas, banyan, mangrove and other trees, now resembles a war-ravaged area. 

Debris of fallen building and uprooted trees all over the Bhanja Bihar campus, sprawling over 251 acres, greet the visitors today. One can find only a heap of bricks and mortars at a place that used to be PG hostel and sports complex. 

Post Cyclone: Berhampur University

The power and drinking water systems have totally collapsed. The Bhanjabihar campus was caught in the eye of the severe cyclonic storm Phailin on October 12. “We bore the brunt of the devastation caused by Phailin as the campus is located just two km from the Gopalpur coast, Vice-Chancellor Deepak Kumar Behera, told The Hindu on Friday. “We don’t know when we can rebuild our campus and ensure normal academic activity. We have asked the State government to conduct a safety audit as the structural stability of various structures which withstood the onslaught of the cyclone is in doubt,” he said.

The university administration made a preliminary estimate of the loss and put it at Rs.60 crore. Responding to the SOS sent by the university, the government sanctioned Rs.10 crore, of which Rs.3 crore was released to take up restoration work immediately.

Sports complex Berhampur University

The university has 20 departments and imparts six self-financing courses. It has a law college and 100 affiliated colleges under its jurisdiction. The puja vacation was supposed to end on October 21. Principal of Khollikote Autonomous College Saritanjali Bahidar said they had sought extension of holidays till October 31.

Berhampur University Registrar B.P. Rath and Director of College Development Council B.C. Choudhary said it was not possible to resume classes before Diwali. Source: The Hindu