Jharkhand CM pushes satellite townships, Ranchi Smart City expansion
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, September 3: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday reviewed land-related activities under the Greater Ranchi Development Authority…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, September 3: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday reviewed land-related activities under the Greater Ranchi Development Authority (GRDA) and the Ranchi Smart City project, directing officials to prepare a concrete action plan for developing satellite townships in urbanised districts across Jharkhand.
The high-level meeting at the Jharkhand Mantralaya focused on planned urban expansion, land availability, infrastructure, connectivity, civic amenities, employment opportunities and the needs of the future population.
Soren said urbanisation should go beyond construction of roads and buildings and focus on creating citizen-centric, modern and sustainable urban centres. He directed officials to assess the feasibility of developing satellite townships on the lines of the Smart City concept in other urbanised districts.
Plan for satellite townships
The Chief Minister asked officials to undertake a comprehensive study of available land and infrastructure in potential locations and prepare an action plan covering connectivity, basic amenities, employment opportunities and future population needs.
He emphasised the need to develop well-planned urban centres where residents have access to quality public services, a safe environment, better civic amenities and seamless mobility.
Ranchi Smart City expansion on agenda
Soren also directed officials to prepare a detailed plan for the future expansion of Ranchi Smart City after assessing its present scope and available resources.
He said the city’s growing population, economic activity and urban requirements made it necessary to plan systematically for its long-term and balanced expansion.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of holding further talks with Heavy Engineering Corporation Limited (HEC) on land and other issues linked to the planned development of the area. Officials were asked to study all relevant aspects and complete the necessary groundwork.
Focus on jobs and economic activity
The Chief Minister said urban development projects such as the Smart City initiative should create opportunities for investment, employment, trade and wider economic activity alongside modern civic infrastructure.
He directed officials to expedite critical processes, including land-related work, through better coordination and regular monitoring. He also stressed that urban development plans must address the requirements of future generations while meeting present needs.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department Sunil Kumar, Finance Secretary Prashant Kumar, Industries Secretary Arva Rajkamal, Revenue Secretary Chandrashekhar, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, Smart City CEO Suraj Kumar, JIADA Managing Director Varun Ranjan, Smart City General Manager Rakesh Kumar Nandkuliyar and other officials.
