Jharkhand News : Chief Minister Hemant Soren reviewed the works, schemes and projects being implemented by the Urban Development and Housing Department and the Road Construction Department at the Jharkhand Secretariat on Wednesday. During the meeting, he took detailed information about the progress and implementation status of various development schemes as well as the departments’ upcoming action plans.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure effective, quality and time-bound implementation of all schemes.
The meeting also discussed measures to develop Ranchi into a well-organised, accessible and modern city. The status of the city’s road network, flyovers, parks, major intersections, traffic management, drainage system and ongoing development projects was reviewed.
Officials also briefed the Chief Minister on Ranchi’s master plan and the development roadmap for the coming years.
Focus on Long-Term Urban Development
The meeting included an overview of the state’s road network and ongoing projects. The action plans prepared over the past five years and measures required to strengthen the road and transport system in line with future needs were also reviewed.
Hemant Soren said development should not remain limited to Ranchi. Other major cities of Jharkhand should also be developed as well-planned urban centres equipped with modern facilities.
He directed officials to divide cities into zones and prepare development plans based on population and local requirements.
Drainage to Be Integrated With Road Construction
The Chief Minister directed officials to treat proper water drainage as an integral part of road construction projects. He stressed the need to develop a well-planned and scientific drainage system along both sides of roads.
He said the entire road and drainage structure should be designed in an integrated manner. Adequate width and space should be provided for drainage according to the road structure so that unplanned construction or encroachment does not emerge along roads in the future.
Soren also directed that sufficient space be kept on both sides of roads for drainage, pedestrian movement and other essential facilities. He emphasised that future requirements must be taken into account while planning road construction.
Vendor Markets to Be Developed as Needed
The Chief Minister gave special emphasis to providing organised spaces for vendors who earn their livelihood through roadside carts, kiosks and other forms of self-employment.
He directed officials to identify all vendors and ensure appropriate arrangements for them. Work should be undertaken to develop vendor markets in every ward according to local requirements.
The move is aimed at reducing congestion and traffic problems caused by unplanned roadside markets and shops.
Traffic Management Plan for Ranchi
Hemant Soren directed officials to prepare a concrete plan to make traffic movement in Ranchi smoother and more organised.
He asked officials to compile proper data on the number of buses operating in the city, their routes and schedules. This information, he said, would help improve public transport operations and reduce unnecessary congestion and traffic pressure.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to identify unnecessary road cuts and close them. He called for safe turning arrangements for vehicles only at designated intersections.
Instructions to Organise Hanging Wires and Cables
The Chief Minister directed officials to organise electricity, telecom and other cables hanging across roads, lanes and public places to give Ranchi a cleaner, safer and more orderly appearance.
He asked officials to identify unnecessary and unused wires tangled around poles on roads and major routes or hanging from tree branches and remove them as per rules. Wires that are still in use should be properly arranged.
Soren said the unplanned network of wires along roads and at intersections not only affects the city’s appearance but can also create serious safety concerns for residents.
He directed the concerned departments and agencies to conduct surveys in coordination with each other and take priority action to organise hanging and poorly arranged cables.
Action Against Illegal Occupation of Government Land
The Chief Minister directed officials to identify illegal occupations of government land and take action according to the rules.
He said the problems of roadside encroachment and unplanned vending should be addressed while providing alternative and organised spaces to the people concerned. This, he said, would help maintain smooth traffic movement without affecting people’s livelihoods.
Hemant Soren said development plans for Ranchi and other cities of Jharkhand should comprehensively include urban planning, road networks, traffic management, drainage, sanitation, solid waste management, vendor arrangements, public transport, parks and green spaces.
Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Sunil Kumar, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan and senior officials and officers of the concerned departments attended the meeting.
