NITK Surathkal Enforces Strict Safety Protocols Following Mass Student Illness at Cultural Festival
The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) in Surathkal, Mangaluru, has swiftly implemented a comprehensive set of precautionary measures after more than 100 hostel students reportedly fell ill during the institute's annual cultural festival, Virasat. The event, which took place from February 4 to 8, saw a significant number of students from two hostel blocks experiencing distressing symptoms including severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, and acute diarrhoea over a three-day period.
Immediate Medical Response and Student Allegations
Affected students received primary medical treatment at the campus clinic, with most cases described as mild and managed effectively on an outpatient basis. However, students have raised serious concerns about the quality of hostel mess food, alleging that insects and worms were found in meals served during this period. This incident echoes a similar health scare reported last year, when several students also suffered from illness on campus.
Institute Investigation Points to External Food Vendors
In an official press statement, NITK Director B Ravi clarified that external food stalls were established on campus during Virasat at the specific request of students. Preliminary evidence strongly indicates that contaminated food served by these external vendors likely caused the widespread illness. Director Ravi emphasized that immediate medical care was provided through the institute's healthcare centre, and the number of reported cases has since declined significantly, with affected students recovering under proper medical supervision.
Comprehensive Safety Measures Implemented
The institute, which accommodates approximately 7,000 students in hostel facilities, has taken decisive action by temporarily banning all outside food, paneer, and non-vegetarian items on campus for one week as an immediate safety precaution. Additionally, NITK has conducted thorough inspections of all water filters across the campus, confirming they are in proper working condition. Water samples have been sent to external laboratories for comprehensive testing, with results currently awaited.
Enhanced Water Safety Protocols
Hostel mess facilities have received strict instructions to use only purified water for all cooking and drinking purposes, with a complete ban on the direct use of tap water for food preparation. The institute has strongly discouraged direct consumption of tap water anywhere on campus, despite confirming that the water supply in academic areas is identical to that in residential quarters, where no health issues have been reported.
Ongoing Coordination and Future Prevention
NITK Surathkal is actively coordinating with local health authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and implement preventive measures. The institute has committed to reviewing and reinforcing guidelines for external vendors to ensure strict compliance with food safety standards during all future campus events. This comprehensive approach aims to prevent recurrence of such incidents and maintain a safe environment for the entire student community.
