Cotton University to dismantle old and heritage hostel buildings

HERITAGE AT STAKE

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Cotton University (CU) has decided to dismantle all old and heritage hostel buildings in its campus here to construct modern hostels on the lines of top bracket institutions like the IITs and IIMs.

There are more than 10 hostels in CU. The majority of these hostels were constructed before the Independence of India in 1947. Many prominent personalities including music maestro late Dr Bhupen Hazarika stayed in these hostels while pursuing higher education in Cotton College now CU.

A senior faculty associated with the administration of CU said that the number of boarders in CU has sharply declined due to deteriorating condition of old buildings of hostels. He also said that many students and their parents do not feel it safe to stay old hostel buildings of the university.

"The varsity administration has no other option but to dismantle the old buildings of the hostels in phased manner. The new hostels will have all the modern facilities for the boarders. We have to give top priority to the safety, security and comfortable accommodation of boarders," added the faculty member.

The DONER Ministry and the NEC (North Eastern Council) have already provided funds to build a modern boy's hostel at CU. Besides the boys' hotel, a girl's hostel will also be constructed at the cost of Rs 6 crore provided by the NEC. Construction of both the hostels is expected to be completed by 2022.

On the other hand, the 182-year-old principal's bungalow at the CU premises is in a dilapidated condition. Even though the Intach (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) had thrown its weight behind the demand of the Cotton College Union Societyfor preservation of this bungalow as a heritage building, nothing concrete has so far done on the ground to preserve the vintage house. Built as a "dak bungalow" in 1883-84, the Assam-type timber-framed house was renovated after being partially destroyed in the earthquake of 1897. The bungalow was initially used as a transit camp for planters en route to Shillong.

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