Shiva Barole, Representative of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), has claimed that students at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) are suffering from sleepless nights due to bedbug infestations, rat sightings, and unhygienic conditions in university hostels—right in the middle of their crucial exam season.
The ABVP representative stated that instead of focusing on their studies, students are battling physical discomfort and anxiety caused by unclean hostel environments. A recent incident involving a rat entering and biting students in a hostel room and the growing presence of bedbugs has intensified fear and discomfort among hostel residents, he added.
“These situations have emerged from the severe lack of cleanliness and basic sanitation in the hostels,” Barole said.
No action despite complaints
Despite repeated complaints from students and demands for action by ABVP, the university and hostel administration have allegedly failed to take any concrete steps. Barole highlighted that while the administration is active in conducting various lectures and awareness programs, it has turned a blind eye to the health and safety concerns of students.
“Exams are stressful enough. Add sleepless nights due to bedbugs and rat terror, and it becomes a nightmare for students,” Barole remarked.
He warned that if the situation continues to be ignored, the ABVP will be forced to escalate matters through a protest.
Students are demanding immediate pest control, regular cleaning, and proper hostel maintenance to ensure they can prepare for exams in a healthy, safe environment.
He also shared visuals where bedbugs were seen moving on the walls in a hostel room at night, recorded by a student. The visuals showed bedbug infestation in books also.
