Ranchi: Traffic congestions, clogged drains and poor sanitation have turned the lives of the Ward 13 residents into a daily struggle for basic civic amenities.With the Feb 23 elections for Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) less than a week ago, the ward, which comprises parts of Samlong, Pragati Path, Nayatoli and the bustling Khadgada bus stand area, are hopeful that their votes will usher in a change this time.Many residents of the ward alleged that basic urban infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the growing population of the area. The ward is home to over 22,000 people.Seven candidates are contesting from ward 13 in the upcoming municipal election,At Khadgada bus stand, heavy vehicular movement and encroachment of roadsides by vendors lead to persistent congestion. The ongoing flyover construction has further aggravated the situation, with dust and noise pollution becoming routine complaints.“Because Khadgada is a major bus stand, traffic is already heavy. Right now, it is pathetic and choking. Without proper regulation and traffic management, the situation will only worsen,” said ward candidate Prabhu Dayal Baraik. In residential pockets such as Nayatoli, Kathartoli, Raza Colony and Makchundtoli, residents point to narrow lanes and open drains as pressing concerns.“We have narrow lanes and wide-open drains, many of which are clogged. Another major problem is the mosquito menace,” said candidate Richa Singh Munda. “There is always a risk of vector- borne diseases. The irony is that there are no proper health clinics in the area. We are all grappling with these issues,” she added.Residents also flagged cratered roads, broken pavements, defunct street lights and irregular garbage collection as part of the broader civic neglect. Several allege that uncovered drains emit foul odour and overflow during rains. Local resident Farzana Khatoon said stray cattle frequently crowd the narrow by lanes near open dumping points. “Cows and pigs gather around clogged drains where garbage is dumped, blocking movement. Sometimes, even two-wheelers cannot pass. And at night, it becomes a dog menace. They howl as if they are in the wild,” she said.Another resident, Ajay Oraon, added, “Our lanes are already narrow, and the open drains remain choked for weeks. The foul smell and stagnant water make daily life difficult.”
