THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Dec 27: The proposed Green Zone between Sadik Manzil and Church More here has become contentious, facing more criticism than appreciation. The project has drawn widespread discontent, with locals expressing strong opposition.
Public Outcry Over Design and Location
The criticism isn’t about creating a Green Zone itself but is focused on its design and location. The Green Zone is situated dangerously close to the road, raising safety concerns. Cyclists or bikers who lose balance risk falling directly into the area.
Adding to the concern, the Green Zone isn’t just about shrubs, plants, and grass—it also includes brick structures that pose additional risks.
Uprooting of Tubewell Sparks Local Anger
An old tubewell, crucial for locals, was uprooted to make way for the Green Zone, further inflaming public anger. During the scorching summer months, the tubewell sees more daily visitors than some places of worship. Daltonganj faces a recurring water crisis every summer, with the last one being particularly severe.
The removal of the tubewell has left locals feeling both shocked and insulted. Many believe the Medininagar Municipal Corporation is increasingly interfering with their daily lives, earning a reputation as a “neo-dictator.”
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Municipal Corporation on the Defensive
The Medininagar Municipal Corporation now finds itself in a difficult position. Efforts to justify the project have only placed the corporation under more public scrutiny.
After an on-the-spot assessment, The Jharkhand Story correspondent noted there is little dispute over the need for a Green Zone in this area. However, its location and execution remain major concerns.
Impact on Local Institutions and Public Space
This stretch of road is home to two prominent institutions for girls: the CM School of Excellence and a constituent degree college. The road becomes particularly crowded between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., as students frequent the area.
During examination periods, such as Matriculation and Intermediate exams, the road is even busier, with large crowds of examinees and their parents gathering from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The Green Zone’s proximity to the road could further shrink the available space, inconveniencing guardians and potentially damaging the area due to heavy foot traffic.
The road sees some relief only after 6 p.m., but concerns persist about the practicality of the project in such a congested location.
Municipality Defends the Green Zone Project
In an interview with The Jharkhand Story, Medininagar Municipal Corporation City Commissioner Md. Jawed Hussain addressed the controversy.
“I’m appalled by the volume of criticism over this Green Zone project. It feels like a sustained campaign to portray the corporation as a villain,” said Hussain.
He explained that the project was approved in a general body meeting before he assumed office.
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“We’re being accused of introducing fanciful ideas unsuited for a town like this. My counterquestion is—how is a Green Zone an outlandish idea? Everyone needs it,” he stated.
On concerns about the design and proximity to the road, Hussain emphasized, “The design is both eco-friendly and people-friendly. It is not a stumbling block or a speed breaker.”
Addressing the uprooting of the tubewell, Hussain clarified, “A water kiosk will replace the tubewell, ensuring the availability of water. The corporation’s goal is to enhance public convenience, not create discomfort.”
