Cusat auditorium renovation stalled

Kochi: Student organizations at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have intensified their demand to fast-track renovation of the open-air auditorium, which has been remaining closed since a stampede during Dhishna tech festival in Nov 2023.

KSU-led students' union chairperson Kurien Biju voiced frustration over the inaction. "We were told the renovation would begin soon, but months have passed with no visible progress. We've also been requesting the reopening of the adjacent access road," said Biju. He noted that the absence of a large-capacity venue has hindered students from organizing major cultural and academic events. "As a member of the university senate, I will bring this up again at the meeting later this month," he added.

The stampede, which occurred on Nov 25, 2023, claimed four lives and prompted the university to shut the venue, citing security concerns and structural flaws. Although state govt earlier provided directives on the renovation of the structure of amphitheatre, the construction hasn't begun so far.

SFI has also raised concerns about the delay. SFI unit secretary Sharan said, "It is crucial to restore the amphitheatre for student activities. When we approached the administration, they pointed to financial constraints as a reason for the delay." Muslim Students Federation unit at the university too has made a similar demand.

Student groups emphasized that restoring the auditorium is not only vital for conducting events but also for boosting student morale and campus vibrancy. They urged the university to prioritize safety upgrades and allocate necessary funds to reopen the facility at the earliest.