Ranchi: Pothole-ridden roads, choking lanes and poor drainage systems are some of the everyday challenges which the residents of localities under Ward 1 of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) face in their lives.The ward, which comprises localities near Kanke Dam, Tiklitoli, Tongri Toli, Hathiya Gonda, Adarsh Nagar, parts of Mission Gali, Jawahar Nagar, Chaudi and Adalhatu, have seen candidates come and go during elections and make promises. Yet little has changed on the ground, they claimed.
Home to over 17,000 people, the ward also shares a stretch along the Potpoto river, where poor drainage and encroachments add to monsoon woes. Residents say several internal roads remain broken or uneven, making commuting difficult. “In Tiklitoli and Tongri Toli, the lanes are so narrow that even small vehicles find it hard to pass. When it rains, potholes fill up and it becomes risky for two-wheelers,” said Manoj Kumar, a resident of Adarsh Nagar.Another resident, Dipu Prasad, said, “We hear announcements every election, but basic things like proper road surfacing and drainage are still pending. Garbage lifting is irregular in parts of Mission Gali.”However, the biggest symbol of stalled development, locals say, is the proposed Urban Haat near Kanke Dam. Conceived in 2016 and built at an estimated cost of Rs 10.63 crore on the lines of Delhi Haat, the market complex was meant to promote local artisans and create a cultural-commercial hub. Years later, the structure remains unopened. “It was projected as a landmark project for Ward 1. Today, it stands like an abandoned building. Crores were spent, but there is no clarity on when it will become functional,” said resident Sunita Devi.
