It is not the people in the government alone, who make promise only to break it later, the people at the helm of a university, the temple of knowledge, too can indulge in the similar practice.

This evident from the fact that a school of Ocean Sciences, proposed on the line of the National Institute of oceanography (NIO), by the Karnataka University here as far back as in 1994, still remains a dream for the people of this part. The foundation stone laid by then vice chancellor, Rame Gowda, lies as a relic on the premises of the centre of Marine Biology here now. Rame Gowda had promised on the occasion that the school would have all facilities of world standard for research on ocean science. It would be as good as NIO, he had promised. It may be noted that even University Grant Commission had accorded its recognition to the centre as the School of Ocean Sciences.

Had it been established, there would have been many departments in the school including those of Marine Geology and Marine Chemistry providing immense scope for research. The school would have focused on the study of coastal zone management, marine culture and pollution. It would have thrown light on protecting the marine environment also.

But according to sources in Marine Biology centre, the university has shelved the proposal of establishing the school of ocean sciences now. That apart the courses in Aquaculture and Industrial Fisheries had also been closed in the centre.

The Marine Biology centre presents a picture of total neglect today. The building where the classes are run is in a dilapidated state. The entire concrete roof built more than 25 years ago needs immediate replacement. The centre needs more lecturers and a qualified librarian. Its infrastructure facilities including the laboratory are in a poor condition.

The centre was opened in 1975 by the university with the objectives of training personnel in varied aspects of marine science, to undertake research in the field and to enable to apply the result accruing from this for the profitable exploitation of marine resources along the coast.