Ranchi's Ward 7 Grapples with Severe Infrastructure Neglect and Social Issues
Ward No 7 in Ranchi, a locality predominantly inhabited by scheduled tribes and scheduled castes, is currently facing a multifaceted crisis involving broken infrastructure and social decay. The area is plagued by drainage system failures, acute drinking water shortages, severely potholed roads, and non-functional streetlights that have inadvertently created a safe haven for drug addicts after dusk.
Localities Affected and Resident Testimonies
Key areas suffering from these persistent problems include Lohra Toli Nayak Colony, Khoratoli, Sadan Mohalla, Hotwar, Khatal, and Mahuatoli. Residents report that the situation has deteriorated over time due to lack of maintenance and official oversight.
Mahavir Lohra, a resident of Lorha Toli, highlighted the drug menace, stating, "Cases of youngsters gathering in the locality in the evening to take drugs are regularly reported. Locals have informed the police, but the miscreants, mostly teenagers, are often let off with just a warning and a beating on their legs."
Infrastructure Breakdown and Maintenance Failures
Former ward councillor Sujata Kachaap explained the vicious cycle affecting streetlights: "Drug addicts damage the street lights in areas where they engage in antisocial or criminal activities. Notably, Anand Smriti Nagar, New Birsa Nagar, and Pahan Tola do not have functional streetlights at all, despite poles having been erected."
The road infrastructure is equally dire. Paved roads were initially laid in these colonies approximately a decade ago, but potholes have formed extensively due to complete absence of maintenance. Additionally, after laying potable water supply pipelines, the concerned agencies performed shoddy work in filling up the ditches, transforming the roads into bumpy, hazardous rides for daily commuters.
Water Supply and Sanitation Crises
Beena Devi, another local resident, criticized the poor maintenance of public services: "Maintenance is severely lacking. Local people had to contribute financially to get a deep bore well repaired after it remained non-functional for seven days."
Another area resident added that disruptions in drinking water supply can take nearly ten days to resolve, exacerbating daily hardships. The ward suffers from inadequate basic amenities, having only one school and no public toilets. Compounding these issues, drain water and sewage frequently overflow onto the roads, creating unsanitary and unhealthy living conditions.
Police Response and Ongoing Challenges
Officer in-charge of the Khelgoan police station, Chandrashekhar Singh, addressed the drug abuse concerns: "We take action in drug abuse and related cases whenever we receive formal complaints. Regular police patrolling is conducted in the area to maintain law and order."
Despite these assurances, the cumulative effect of infrastructure neglect, water scarcity, and social problems like drug abuse continues to severely impact the quality of life for residents in Ward No 7, highlighting urgent needs for comprehensive municipal intervention and sustained community support.
