'Utkal University planning to hand over 20 acres of land to BDA'; massive protest erupts in Bhubaneswar

Students of Utkal University alleged that a plan is being hatched at the top level to hand over the land of the varsity to the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). Agitated over the issue, the students staged protests near the university gate and the VC office by burning tyres.

They shouted slogans against the Vice-chancellor (VC).

A student leader alleged that a plan is there for the BDA to set up a park and food stalls inside the university campus. “We have been opposing entry of outsiders into the campus over years. If the BDA sets up a park and runs food stalls, it will pave the way for entry for all. The campus will remain unsafe for students when outsiders will be creating trouble.” 
The student also sought to know if the VC would guarantee in writing that nothing will happen to students and the campus after the entry of the BDA. 

Another student leader alleged that the varsity authorities are doing little here in the name of development. “The university is planning to hand over 20 acres of land of the university to the BDA. We have shortage of lecturers amid a lack of various facilities. Hostels are not run well. The university authorities should set these things first before carrying out the development of a park and food stalls through the BDA,” he lamented. 

However, the VC couldn’t be contacted for comments.