Ranchi's Ward 3 Development Boom Highlights Stark Infrastructure Deficiencies
In the bustling city of Ranchi, Ward number 3 has emerged as a focal point of rapid urban transformation in recent years. This ward, which includes prominent landmarks such as the historic Morabadi Ground and the scenic Tagore Hills, has witnessed a significant surge in commercial and residential development. The landscape has been reshaped by the opening of modern shopping malls, branded showrooms, upscale housing enclaves, and numerous private residences, signaling economic growth and urban expansion.
Development Disparity Leaves Tribal Communities Behind
However, beneath this facade of progress lies a troubling reality. Approximately fifty percent of the ward's inhabitants belong to tribal communities, and many of these residents are grappling with severe shortages of basic civic amenities. While new apartments and shopping complexes rise along main roads, interior localities suffer from inadequate infrastructure. Essential services such as proper drainage systems, paved roads, hygiene facilities, and reliable drinking water supply remain conspicuously absent in several habitations within the ward.
A prime example is the upcoming locality of Chiroundi, where modern buildings line the main thoroughfare. Yet, just a short distance away, interior areas lack metalled paths and functional drainage, creating challenging living conditions for residents.
Residents Voice Their Struggles With Flooding and Waste Management
Local resident Hemanti Devi shared her experience, stating, "During the monsoon season, our entire area becomes inundated with rainwater. We have been forced to construct drains in front of our own houses at personal expense. We are hopeful that once elected, our ward councillor will finally address this persistent problem."
Another resident, Pankaj Gupta, highlighted the waste management crisis, explaining, "We urgently need waste bins placed at strategic locations throughout our locality. Currently, when the Ranchi Municipal Corporation waste collection vans are delayed, people resort to dumping household waste on vacant land, which quickly becomes foul-smelling and unhygienic."
Acute Water Crisis and Traffic Congestion Compound Problems
The water scarcity issue is particularly acute around Tagore Hills, where residents of multiple housing complexes depend on water tankers for nearly six months each year. This chronic shortage severely impacts daily life and highlights the gap between development and essential service provision.
Furthermore, the ward's development has brought increased vehicular movement, with traffic flowing toward Ormanjhi and other state destinations. This growth has resulted in significant traffic congestion that persists through most daylight hours, adding to residents' difficulties.
Outgoing Councillor Acknowledges Challenges and Promises Action
When questioned about these issues, outgoing ward councillor Basanti Lakra acknowledged the infrastructure deficiencies. She admitted, "Several roads in my ward lack proper drainage systems. In many instances, residents have refused to provide land necessary for road construction. Regarding water supply, Tagore Hill faces the most severe challenges as it is located in a dry zone. The water supply from the 'jal minar' situated approximately 1.5 kilometers away fails to reach this area adequately."
Lakra, who has filed her nomination for re-election in the upcoming urban bodies election, has pledged to address these pressing concerns if elected to serve another term.
The situation in Ward 3 presents a clear case study in urban development disparities, where commercial growth has not been matched by corresponding improvements in basic civic infrastructure, particularly affecting the ward's substantial tribal population.
