IIT Madras Inaugurates Its Largest Green Hostel

Elsa Sunny

IIT Madras inaugurated its largest 146 crore green hostel on Tuesday 21st February. The ten-floor building with 32180 sq m area can accommodate 1200 students.

The whole structure with many green initiatives aims for a 4 star green rating by GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment). Solar power panels and solar hot water systems are in place to reduce energy consumption. Low energy and recycling materials were used for the construction of the building.

The hostel would also treat waste water so it could be reused for flushing and landscaping. There is provision to treat surface and roof rainwater for use as drinking water.

“Mandakini” was constructed after demolishing an older hostel building. Existing trees were retained and transplanted. “We take pride in providing top quality accommodation for our students within our campus.” said Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras.

The structure of the hostel the institute says is also persons with disabilities (PwD) friendly with ramps, staircases and lifts. There are 10 exclusive PwD rooms with attached bathrooms.

“The hostel was built without much delay in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic in the last 2 years and it caters to all the home and relaxation needs of the students,” said Prof. SA Sannasiraj, Chairman, Engineering Unit, IIT Madras.

The building is designed in such a way that sufficient light enters through the corridors and rooms. Toilets have mechanical ventilation. The transparent roof helps students relax in the interaction area.

The new hostel also has basketball court, volleyball court and cricket practice pitch among others. Mr Deepak Kumar Sanghi, MD. of Ecare India Private Limited, an alumnus, inaugurated the hostel.

Elsa Sunny is pursuing her II MA, English Literature at Loyola College, Chennai.