PU hostel students protest over defunct water coolers

Chandigarh: Residents of Boys Hostel-6 at Panjab University staged a late-night protest Saturday over non-functional water coolers, alleging acute drinking water shortage amid rising temperatures.

Students claimed that at least seven of the nine installed coolers were not working and that repeated complaints had gone unaddressed for days. Many said they were forced to buy water or rely on a limited number of functioning units.

Protesters gathered outside the hostel and raised slogans, demanding immediate action. Student leader Ankit Bidhan said the warden was asked to reach the hostel, with students warning they would stage a sit-in at his office if the issue was not resolved.

The warden later reached the spot and faced questions from agitating students over the delay in repairs. Dean Student Welfare Prof YK Rawal also visited the hostel and assured residents that the faulty coolers would be fixed at the earliest.

The protest was called off after assurances from university authorities.