Cuttack: Ravenshaw University authorities Tuesday shut down Kanika library after a portion of ceiling caved in.
The incident invited sharp criticisms from several quarters even though no one was injured in the incident.
Kanika library, established in 1922, is considered as one of the biggest libraries in the state. Sources said the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Orissa (Idco) had renovated the library ceiling in 2011 by spending around ` 5 lakh.
Idco officials had then claimed that the library ceiling would be safe till 2021. However, the varsity authorities had written to Idco for repair of Kanika library ceiling after spotting rainwater seepages in 2013.
Sources said the varsity authorities had shot off eight letters to Idco seeking early repair of Kanika library ceiling between 2013 and 2016. “Idco managing director had asked the agency’s regional office to repair the ceiling within 15 days in November last year. However, nothing has been done so far,” said a varsity official.
Vice-chancellor Prakash Chandra Sarangi said they have closed down the library till completion of repair works. “We have raised the issue with Idco higher-ups who have promised to renovate the library as early as possible,” Sarangi added.
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