Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed officials to prepare a long-term, comprehensive urban development plan for Ranchi and other major cities, with a focus on drainage, traffic management, public transport, vending spaces and civic infrastructure.
The directions were issued during a review meeting of the Urban Development and Housing Department and Road Construction Department at the Jharkhand Ministry on Wednesday. The Chief Minister reviewed the road network, flyovers, parks, traffic arrangements, drainage systems, ongoing projects and Ranchi’s master plan.
Vendor Markets to Be Developed in Every Ward
Soren directed officials to identify street vendors and provide them with organised spaces according to local requirements.
Key direction:
- Vendor markets to be developed in every urban ward, based on need.
- Street vendors are to be provided organised spaces.
- Measures to address unplanned roadside vending should not adversely affect vendors’ livelihoods.
- The arrangement is intended to address congestion associated with unplanned roadside markets while providing vendors with designated spaces.
Drainage to Be Integrated With Road Projects
The Chief Minister directed that drainage should be treated as an integral part of road construction rather than as a separate requirement.
Officials were asked to ensure that roads are designed with adequate drainage space and that both sides have properly planned water-discharge arrangements. Areas vulnerable to waterlogging are also to be identified and addressed through appropriate drainage planning.
Unnecessary Road Cuts to Be Examined
Soren also directed officials to examine unnecessary road cuts that affect traffic movement.
The government plans to study such locations and make necessary changes to improve traffic flow. A comprehensive database of city buses, including their routes and schedules, was also ordered to strengthen public transport planning.
Hanging Cables and Encroachments to Be Addressed
The Chief Minister directed officials to organise hanging electricity, telecommunications and other cables on roads, lanes and public spaces.
Officials were also asked to identify unnecessary cables and remove them according to applicable procedures, while ensuring that useful cables are arranged safely without damaging trees or green areas.
On government land, illegal encroachments are to be identified and action taken according to rules. The government also directed that alternative and organised spaces be provided to address roadside vending and encroachment issues without affecting livelihoods.
Development Plan to Cover Cities Beyond Ranchi
Soren said urban development should not remain confined to Ranchi. Other major cities in Jharkhand are also to be developed through planned approaches and modern facilities.
Officials have been directed to divide cities into zones and prepare development plans based on population and local requirements.
The broader planning exercise is expected to cover:
- Road networks and transportation
- Drainage
- Traffic management
- Sanitation
- Solid waste management
- Public transport
- Vendor arrangements
- Parks and green spaces
- Other essential civic facilities
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to ensure effective, quality and timely implementation of government schemes reviewed during the meeting.
