Mangaluru: The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, has introduced a set of precautionary measures after more than 100 hostel students reportedly fell ill during the cultural festival, Virasat, held from Feb 4 to 8.According to sources, students from the two hostel blocks reported symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea over the past three days. The students were provided primary treatment at the campus clinic. Meanwhile, students have also alleged that the hostel mess food was of poor quality and claimed insects and worms were found in meals. A similar incident was reported last year, when several students also fell ill.
In a press statement, NITK director B Ravi said external food stalls were set up on campus during Virasat at the request of students, and some students reported illness after consuming food from these stalls. He said immediate medical care was provided at the institute’s health care centre, and preliminary evidence indicates contaminated food served by vendors as the cause. Most cases were mild, managed on an outpatient basis, the number of cases has declined, and affected students are recovering under medical supervision, he stated.Following the incident, the institute, which houses about 7,000 students in hostels, has temporarily banned outside food, paneer and non-vegetarian items on campus for one week as a safety measure. All water filters on campus have been inspected and found to be in working condition, and water samples have been sent to external laboratories for testing, with reports awaited.Hostel messes have been instructed to use only purified water for cooking and drinking, and the direct use of tap water for food preparation has been banned. Direct consumption of tap water on campus has been strongly discouraged. The institute stated that the water supply in academic areas is the same as in residential quarters, where no health issues have been reported. NITK Surathkal is coordinating with local health authorities for investigation and preventive steps, and guidelines for external vendors will be reviewed and reinforced to ensure compliance with food safety standards during future campus events.
