Unfinished Research Campus in Udupi Turns Into Symbol of Neglect

A major educational project planned to transform science education opportunities for rural students in Udupi district has remained incomplete for nearly a decade, leaving a promising research campus abandoned and neglected.

The postgraduate and science research centre of Mangalore University at Belapu village in Kaup taluk was envisioned as a hub for advanced learning and research. However, even after 10 years since the beginning of construction, the facility is yet to become operational.

The large campus, built with significant government funding, now stands partially unused with several structures showing signs of deterioration. Local residents have expressed disappointment that a project designed to support students and researchers has failed to serve its intended purpose.

The foundation stone for the ambitious project was laid on May 4, 2015, by then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The centre was planned on 24.26 acres of government land with an estimated project cost of Rs 141.08 crore.

Under the first phase, nine major works were taken up through the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan scheme at a cost of Rs 44.92 crore. The campus was expected to provide modern facilities for students from rural backgrounds and promote scientific research.

Although around 80 to 85 percent of the construction work has reportedly been completed, the campus has not been opened for academic activities. Buildings including the administrative block, science block, research centre, guest house, residential facilities, roads, drainage systems and water tanks are largely ready.

However, pending works such as electrical wiring, plumbing, painting, power connections and compound wall construction have delayed the handover of the facility. The slow pace of finishing work has kept the campus away from students and researchers.

With no proper security arrangements, parts of the unused buildings have reportedly been damaged. Broken window glasses, abandoned spaces and poor maintenance have changed the appearance of a campus that was expected to witness academic activity. Locals have also raised concerns that some miscreants are using the isolated premises for unwanted activities, while stray dogs have occupied several areas.

Questions have also been raised regarding the utilisation of allocated funds. Locals have alleged that out of the Rs 38.30 crore sanctioned by the government, around Rs 30.50 crore was paid to contractors, while the remaining funds were allegedly diverted by the university for other purposes. They have demanded clarification from the university authorities regarding the claims.

Former Belapu Gram Panchayat president Deviprasad Shetty said the condition of the project has caused disappointment among residents who had hoped it would create better educational opportunities for underprivileged students.

He urged the government to prioritise the project, complete the remaining works quickly and begin academic activities from the upcoming academic year so that the campus can finally serve the purpose for which it was created.