The footpath in front of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) campus in Jayanagar IV ^‘T’ Block, which till recently was a picture of neglect, now looks not only squeaky clean but is all embellished with fresh paint and rangoli, thanks to the efforts of medical students.

In a special drive, the RGUHS students cleared garbage and debris from the footpath, taken away vehicles abandoned there, and beautified the area with paint and rangoli.

For years, the footpath was in an unusable state. An abandoned bus shelter had become an additional eyesore, while the area around it had also become a place for undesirable activities. The situation was further worsened by people using the compound wall as a public urination spot.

This issue was brought to the attention of Bhagawan B.C., Vice Chancellor of RGUHS. The University’s Sports Department and NSS wing recently got into action, while discussions were held with BBMP officials and traffic police authorities to find a practical solution. Various options were weighed for a month.

Finally, in a drive jointly taken up, the damaged pathway was completely renovated, the surroundings were cleaned and beautified with pots, the walls along the pathway were given a fresh coat of paint and rangoli designs drawn.

The neighbourhood appears impressed with the effort of the students. “I commute to work every day and take the bus in front of RGUHS. Previously, the area was unbearable due to people urinating there, making it impossible to wait for a bus. The footpath was broken, and garbage was strewn everywhere. But the students have transformed the place,” said Deepa, a private company employee.

Speaking to The Hindu, Dr. Bhagawan said, “Clean and safe footpaths are not merely a civic necessity, but they are an important part of public health. RGUHS believes it is our responsibility to ensure a clean, safe and accessible environment around our campuses.”