Utkal University students protest delay in power restoration post cyclone FANI

Bhubaneswar: Tension prevailed at Utkal University here this morning after a group of students staged a protest against delay in restoration of power supply in the hostels in the campus.

The irate students closed the main gate of the varsity demanding immediate steps to restore electricity in the hostels.

“During cyclone FANI, many hostel students did not go their homes and stayed back just to assist the NDRF team in rescue and relief operations. But post the cyclone, no one is paying any attention to our problems. Without electricity, we are facing a lot of difficulties in the hostels,” said a protesting student.

Another student alleged, “Exams are nearing. While some students have gone to their houses, some are still here. Electricity has been restored in almost all areas in the state capital. But we are suffering without electricity post the cyclone.”

When asked, the university authorities said electricity is being restored in the campus in phased manner.

“While exams will begin from May 21, electricity will be completely restored by May 15 or 16. I advise the student to have patience and not to disrupt the restoration works by protesting like this,” said a professor of the university.