Chennai: Inmates of Sabarmati hostel have alleged that they have only one water dispenser for seven floors in the building.
Along with Tunga and Bhatra, the Sabarmati hostel was inaugurated in 2015 and it is equipped with a water purifying system for drinking water. But, students alleged that the water tastes weird and has the chemical smell.
“Not a single resident of the three hostels using the water for drinking water purpose. While Tunga and Bhatra were provided with water dispensers on every floor, Sabarmati has one water dispenser on the ground floor for entire seven floors,” one of the residents of the hostel alleged.
She further said the water has some particles and algae are growing in water bottles. “Initially, we were carrying the water from our mess. Following the demands of the students, now the hostel administration has installed single dispenser at the hostel,” she added.
While accepting that the water has weird taste, sources in the IIT Madras said, “Since the RO treated water is not good for health, the whole institute has decided to implement the better water facility in a phased manner. The students will eventually get used to it as the water is healthy and safe.”
Students from the hostel also alleged that there are only three working washing machines and no fridge in the hostel.
When enquired, IIT Madras director Bhaskar Ramamurthi said, “We are providing a filter system for all hostels. If there are any complaints, we are also serving water cans to the hostels.”
“IIT Madras is providing accommodation to over 8,000 students. So, naturally, there would be some routine issues and these issues are being attended on a daily basis,” he added.
