The Jharkhand State Housing Board (JSHB) has initiated steps to cancel more than 30 residential allotments in the Harmu and Bariatu housing colonies for being used for commercial purposes. This action follows repeated notices to the errant allottees, which failed to elicit a satisfactory response.
Final Stage of Cancellation
A JSHB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that over 30 allotments from Harmu and Bariatu housing colonies are in the final stage of cancellation. Three rounds of notices were issued to property owners who were found running commercial establishments such as clinics, pharmacies, coaching centres, and shops within these residential zones.
Extent of Commercial Activity
Officials from the JSHB Ranchi division revealed that around 400 commercial units being operated from residential plots have been identified across the Harmu, Bariatu, and Argora housing colonies. Harmu alone has over 1,000 properties, including flats, plots, and single-storey units, while Bariatu houses approximately 500 units.
In Harmu, residential properties have been converted into clinics, play schools, diagnostic centres, and market complexes, particularly near Sahjanand Chowk and the road leading to Argora. In Bariatu, the proliferation of clinics, pharmacies, hostels, and eateries is attributed to its emergence as a medical hub around the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) and other hospitals.
Official Statement and Next Steps
JSHB secretary Binay Lakra commented, “We will review the responses submitted by the errant owners of residential units against the notices. Then, the board will take a final call. An action plan will be carried out accordingly.”
Concerns of Affected Residents
Vijay Kumar, who runs a grocery shop from the Harmu housing colony, expressed concern: “We have been operating here for years and paying all charges. If authorities shut our shops without any rehabilitation plan, many families will suffer. The government should first provide us with an alternative.”
