Bhubaneswar: In a step towards creating a pollution-free environment, Utkal University in Bhubaneswar has started restricting the entry of petrol and diesel vehicles into its campus every Saturday.

The initiative was launched following the advice of Odisha Governor and University Chancellor Hari Babu Kambhampati. Every Saturday, fuel-powered two-wheelers and four-wheelers will be barred from entering the campus between 9 am and 5 pm.

The university administration has installed banners at the main gate carrying messages of the initiative.

Security arrangements have been tightened at the main entrance to enforce the new rule. Five security personnel have been deployed to stop petrol and diesel vehicles from entering the campus.

However, the move caused severe inconvenience yesterday. Students, parents, staff members, and visitors were seen parking their vehicles outside the campus and walking long distances in the scorching heat. Some people opposed the rule and allegedly entered the campus forcefully with their vehicles, leading to heated arguments with security guards.

Several visitors claimed that the university had not provided prior information regarding the restriction on fuel-powered vehicles on Saturdays. They said the sudden implementation caused inconvenience.

Responding to the criticism, Vice-Chancellor Professor Chandi Prasad Nanda said the decision was taken for the first time in line with the Governor’s suggestion to keep the campus pollution-free. He said that notices had been issued earlier to inform people about the restriction.

The Vice-Chancellor further said similar rules have already been implemented in other universities across Odisha. To minimise inconvenience, the university arranged battery-operated vehicles and ambulance services as alternative transport options inside the campus.

He added that since banks and several offices operate within the campus, the university is exploring additional alternatives to reduce dependence on fuel-powered vehicles while ensuring convenience for visitors and staff.