The Uttarakhand High Court has instructed the state government to initiate immediate infrastructure development and commence regular classes at Nanhi Pari Seemant Engineering College in Pithoragarh. This decision comes after prolonged delays and logistical issues that have hindered the college's operations.
Built for Rs 14.5 crore, the Nanhi Pari Seemant Engineering College has faced significant hurdles since its inception. Most notably, classes had to be relocated to KNU Government Secondary School after landslides and debris accumulation rendered the first floor of the engineering college unsafe. This move sparked considerable controversy and concern among students, parents, and faculty regarding the institution's future.
In response to these challenges, the Uttarakhand High Court intervened, mandating the state government to take swift action. The court's directive addresses the infrastructure issues and ensures that students receive a stable and secure learning environment.
The court has instructed the state government to expedite infrastructure development at the engineering college. This includes necessary repairs and fortifications to ensure the building's safety and usability.
To mitigate further disruptions to students' education, the court ordered the commencement of regular classes. As a temporary measure, classes will be held in prefabricated rooms on the nearby Government Secondary College campus. This arrangement aims to provide continuity in education while permanent infrastructure issues are addressed.
One of the key issues the court addresses is the accessibility of the college. Currently, the travel distance between Pithoragarh city and the college is 15 km, which significantly inconveniences students and staff. An alternative route has been proposed to resolve this, reducing the distance to just 3.5 km. This improvement is expected to make the college more accessible and alleviate some of the logistical challenges faced by the students.
The Uttarakhand government has been given a four-week deadline to report on the progress of these directives. This timeline is crucial to ensure that the necessary actions are taken promptly and that there are no further delays in the commencement of regular classes and the completion of infrastructure improvements.
The High Court’s intervention underscores the urgency and importance of providing a stable educational environment for Nanhi Pari Seemant Engineering College students. By addressing infrastructure issues and improving accessibility, the court's directive aims to restore confidence in the institution and ensure that students can pursue their education without further hindrance. The government's adherence to these orders will ensure the college's long-term viability and success.