In a demonstration that brought more than 400 students from the Agriculture College in Shivaji Nagar onto the streets, protests erupted against a newly proposed road plan perceived to have adverse effects on academic activities and the local environment. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders, led by Prashant Kanojia, State Organiser of MNS Students Cell, rallied in support of the students, emphasizing the potential disruptions to essential facilities such as the ladies’ hostel, lecture rooms, and teachers’ accommodations.
With Interaction, Kanojia shed light on the students’ concerns, as they temporarily blocked the main gate during an ongoing exhibition. Uday Samant, the state minister for industries, took swift action during his visit to the campus, pledging to address the issue by engaging with relevant authorities, including the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and Dhananjay Munde, the agriculture minister.
The students fear that the proposed road could adversely impact their studies and create disturbances in the serene campus atmosphere. Their concerns echo those raised by students from Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth in Rahuri, who have also opposed road construction near their college premises. The primary issues cited include safety, security, and educational disruptions due to potential noise pollution.
The call for alternative routes and a restriction of the internal road solely for college use is gaining momentum, with students urging Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde to intervene and safeguard the academic integrity of their institutions.
As the protests escalate and gain widespread attention, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s involvement adds a political dimension to the issue, raising questions about the broader impact of infrastructure development on educational institutions and the need for a balanced approach that considers both development and academic concerns.
