“As a visually challenged student at Pondicherry University, campus life poses unique navigation challenges. Moving through my living and learning spaces, I rely on my senses and predictable, clear pathways to guide me safely. One evening, while walking inside my own hostel, I unintentionally stepped on a stray dog resting in the corridor. Though it didn't bite, experiencing such a sudden shock inside my residential space has crippled my confidence in walking independently, even in the most familiar areas.”

The existence of stray dogs inside hostels and near classrooms directly hinders independent mobility. When unpredictable obstacles occupy residential corridors, staircases, and academic entrances, it strips visually impaired students of their confidence and freedom of movement, while also posing a daily safety and hygiene concern for all students, faculty, and staff. The lack of a timely, structured response from the administration leaves the university community dealing with this uncertainty every day.

Pondicherry University is a place of learning where everyone should be able to move freely, confidently, and safely. Furthermore, the university administration is legally bound to ensure this under clear national mandates:

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, which mandates safe, barrier-free, and obstacle-free residential and academic environments so students with disabilities can navigate independently.

The Supreme Court of India Orders (W.P. (C) No. 5 of 2025) and UGC Directives (D.O. No. 2-17/2025(CPP-II)), which strictly direct all Higher Educational Institutions to appoint a Nodal Officer, prevent stray dog ingress into campus buildings and premises, and coordinate with municipal authorities and animal welfare bodies for humane management, vaccination, and shelter care.

We urge the Pondicherry University administration and local authorities to allocate appropriate resources and work with recognized animal welfare organizations to implement immediate, humane, and lawful solutions:

Keep Hostels and Academic Buildings Obstacle-Free: Install and maintain functional self-closing gates, mesh doors, and proper security monitoring at all hostel blocks and department buildings so stray dogs cannot enter corridors or block classroom entrances.

Enforce UGC & Supreme Court Humane Management Directives: Publicize the university's designated Nodal Officer and execute transparent, humane measures—including regular Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs, veterinary care, and lawful shelter/zone management strictly away from hostels, classrooms, and pedestrian pathways.

Together, we can create a campus where independent mobility, safety, and compassion coexist—ensuring that no student's confidence to walk freely is compromised.

Sign this petition to urge the Pondicherry University administration to prioritize accessible, safe spaces and take immediate steps for a secure and harmonious campus for everyone.

Note for Pondicherry University Students/Staff: When you sign, please mention your Department or Hostel Name in the "Reasons for signing / Comment" box so we can submit verified campus voices to the administration!