Apiculture studies centre of Bangalore University in a shambles

Grand plans by the Bangalore University to develop apiculture as an academic discipline have failed to take off, thanks to official apathy.

Despite boasting of the necessary infrastructure with bee-keeping boxes, department rooms etc, the apiculture department, instead of being a ‘bee hive’ of research activities, presents a pathetic picture of honest intentions gone awry.

The department, set up in 2007, to offer diplomas in apiculture studies and research, according to students and staff of the varsity, has been surprisingly dysfunctional since its inception.

All that greets visitors curious to know the status of the department, are locked gates, an unswept premises reeking of cattle dung, and the absence of anyone to provide information about the department.

According to people around the national service scheme building, which is situated adjacent to the apiculture department, there has been no visible signs of activity at the department. Teaching staff coming to teach have also not been seen.

“The gate has been locked from within to give outsiders the impression that the department is still functional, while the fact is to the contrary,” students said.

Another student, speaking on the condition of anonymity, added that: “Nobody goes there, ever since it has been set up. Even we are curious to know about this department.”

Termite infestation

Students here told Deccan Herald that the building has now become home to colonies of termites. The withering wall posters telling their own sorry tale.

When acting Vice Chancellor N Rangaswamy was contacted he promised to look into the matter.

Department head M S Reddy was not available for comment.