PU Library Buzzes 24x7, But Girls Avoid Dark Roads On Way Back To Their Hostels

Time of India

5 days ago

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Chandigarh: While Panjab University's Central Library stays open round the clock and remains lively even late into the night, several women students say they avoid walking back to their hostels alone after dark due to poorly lit roads and lack of surveillance.
Two key internal roads, both commonly used by girls returning from the library, remain without CCTV coverage and have inadequate lighting. The first road, which starts near Boys Hostel No. 3, leads to the rear gate of Girls Hostels 1 and 2. The second cuts between the university ground and tennis court, connecting to the backside of Girls Hostels 3, 4 and 5. Despite having some streetlights, both stretches have dark patches, especially near tree-lined areas, and no security cameras.
"There is complete darkness on the left side of the road because of vegetation, and the lights barely help. Sometimes, the lights do not even function or just flicker" said Priya Chauhan, a student from Girls Hostel No. 1. "We avoid going alone. If it's too late, we stay in the library till early morning and walk back only after sunrise."
Another student questioned the university's priorities. "The Rose Garden opposite the admin block has strong, bright lights.
Why can't they fix proper lighting on roads girls use every day?" said Muskan Nehra, a former student who was in campus for over 3 years.
"The road near the tennis court looks fine from a distance, but once you start walking, you realise how poorly lit it actually is, especially behind the USOL building," said Yogini Pandita, a resident of Girls Hostel 4. "The sides of the road are almost in complete darkness. Even if a few people are around, you're constantly on edge.
It doesn't feel safe at all."
Despite the steady footfall around the 24x7 library, these two roads quickly become deserted and shadowy after a point. There is no regular security guard posted along the route to Hostels 1 and 2, and only occasional near the Chemistry canteen, the start of the road toward Hostels 3, 4 and 5.
While students appreciate the flexibility of a 24x7 library, they say it won't be fully effective unless safe, well-lit, and well-monitored pathways exist to get back to their hostels.
BOX- Phase 3 camera installation still pending
Panjab University had planned a third phase of CCTV camera installation in December 2024 to strengthen campus surveillance, covering 10 additional locations. Among these are the two roads frequently used by girls returning from the library- one from Boys Hostel No. 3 to Girls Hostels 1 and 2, and the other from the university ground to Girls Hostels 3, 4 and 5. However, despite a budget of Rs 75 lakh, the cameras are yet to be installed.
University security officials say work is expected to begin soon. Currently, PU has around 120–130 CCTV cameras, but none on these two critical routes. Chief of University Security Vikram Singh confirmed the inclusion of these routes in the third phase. "These roads will be covered in the upcoming round of camera installation," he said.
BOX- 'Cameras couldn't capture number plate,' says harassment survivor
Anshika Kapoor, a student who was harassed a few months ago near the Vice-Chancellor's office around 9:30 pm, said her attempts to identify the car involved were hampered by poor surveillance infrastructure. "We checked footage from several cameras, but none of them showed the number plate clearly," she said. "Only the one near the USOL building gave a partial view. If cameras can't even capture such basic details, how are we supposed to feel safe?" Her experience has raised broader concerns among students about the quality and placement of security cameras across the campus.