Imphal, Jun 22: Notwithstanding several development programmes now being taken up at Manipur University and the enhanced academic activities, the very soul of the varsity, its library building has developed leaks causing severe inconveniences to the students, teachers, scholars and other readers.

The augmentation work of the building to add two more floors commenced in 2004.The prolonged time taken in the construction work and lack of proper supervision have resulted in rain water leaking into the reading hall.

It is reported that the problem of leaking roof was felt since last year.

Even if the problem is expected to be fixed with the completion of the construction work, it is causing enormous inconvenience and hardships to the library staff and readers alike as rain water gets deposited in a large puddles on the second floor.

The problem of the leak came up after a 6 inch thick concrete was removed from the roof of the first floor in connection with the construction of the second floor and third floor.

Rain water deposited on such thin roof of the second floor leaked into several parts of the ground floor and the reading hall.

Incomplete wall construction on the western side of the second floor and the unfinished roof work near the entrance point towards the lower floors contribute to extensive deposition of rain water on the second floor.

Moreover, out of two water tanks installed on the second floor, one is leaky contributing to water logging.

An official of the library informed The Sangai Express that all its employees on their arrival at the library undertake the task of removing water being logged in the reading hall if there happens to be rainfall on the day or the previous day.

They soaked up water using spongy carpets.

A student of the English Department decried such pathetic condition of the library building saying that it severely disturbed the minds of the readers who come there to assess the store of knowledge.

He also cautioned that if water leaks into the book racks, it would be a major catastrophe for the whole State as the State Central Library was also burnt down.

Another student of Life Science Department conveyed his desire to rectify the construction flaw before it is too late.

One staff of the library disclosed that about 40 books were affected last year due to rain water leak.

Rain water leaking into some spots just beside the book racks were also observed during the visit.

Some books were seen being covered by papers to protect from the leaked water.

Moreover, some tables used for reading were displaced following rain water leaking over it.

Despite such pitiful condition of the library building, the engineering cell of MU are yet to initiate any step to redress the woes even though the library staff has informed the engineering cell of the problem repeatedly, lamented a staff of the library.

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