CM Hemant Soren orders road cuts closed, vending zones set up and dangling wires cleared in Ranchi
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, September 2: Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed officials to shut unnecessary median cuts, strengthen traffic management,…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, September 2: Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed officials to shut unnecessary median cuts, strengthen traffic management, create organised vending zones in every ward and remove dangling and haphazardly laid wires as part of a wider plan to make Ranchi safer and better organised.
During a review of the Urban Development & Housing Department and Road Construction Department at the Jharkhand Mantralaya, Soren also ordered officials to identify illegal encroachments on government land and take action as per rules, while ensuring that affected vendors are provided organised spaces without jeopardising their livelihoods.
Unnecessary road cuts to be eliminated
Soren directed officials to identify and close unnecessary median cuts on Ranchi roads and ensure that vehicles are allowed to make turns only at designated intersections.
He said unplanned road cuts disrupt vehicular movement and affect traffic flow at several locations. Officials have been asked to study such spots and implement necessary improvements.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to compile comprehensive data on the number, routes and schedules of buses operating in Ranchi to improve public transport management and reduce traffic pressure.
Vendor markets planned in every ward
The government will work towards creating organised vendor markets in every ward of Ranchi based on local requirements.
Soren directed officials to identify roadside vendors and provide them with designated spaces so that unplanned roadside markets do not contribute to traffic congestion and overcrowding.
At the same time, he stressed that measures to organise vending should not adversely affect the livelihoods of vendors and that they should be provided dignified and organised spaces.
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Dangling wires, cables face action
Soren also ordered concerned departments and agencies to organise electricity, telecom and other cables hanging from poles, trees and along roads and public spaces.
Unused wires are to be identified and removed according to regulations, while active cables should be installed in an orderly and safe manner. The Chief Minister called for better coordination among agencies and the creation of designated cable corridors or ducts wherever possible to prevent repeated roadside digging.
He also directed officials to remove wires unnecessarily hanging from trees while ensuring that essential cables are installed without damaging trees or green spaces.
Government land encroachments to be identified
The Chief Minister directed officials to identify illegal encroachments on government land and initiate action in accordance with the rules.
However, he stressed that efforts to address roadside encroachments and unplanned vending should also take into account the livelihoods of affected people. Organised alternative spaces should be considered to ensure smoother traffic movement without unnecessarily disrupting livelihoods.
Drainage to be integrated with road construction
Soren also made it clear that drainage must be incorporated into road projects from the planning stage itself rather than being addressed after construction.
Officials were directed to prepare integrated designs covering road width, drainage, pedestrian movement and traffic flow. Waterlogging-prone areas should be identified and suitable drainage networks developed to prevent monsoon-related disruption.
For existing roads, technical studies have been ordered to identify waterlogging and drainage-related problems and undertake corrective measures.
Focus on planned urban development
Soren said the state’s urban development strategy should extend beyond Ranchi to other major cities, which should be developed as well-planned urban centres with modern amenities.
He directed officials to prepare zone-wise development plans based on population and local requirements, covering roads, traffic management, drainage, sanitation, solid waste management, public transport, vending spaces, parks and green areas.
The Chief Minister also directed departments to complete ongoing development projects within stipulated deadlines and ensure regular monitoring and coordination among agencies.
Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Sunil Kumar, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri and Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan were among the officials present at the meeting.
