Ranchi, September 3: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed officials to examine the feasibility of developing satellite townships in urbanised districts across the state on the lines of smart city projects, officials said.
Soren reviewed the Greater Ranchi Development Authority and Ranchi Smart City projects at a high-level meeting at the Jharkhand Secretariat on Thursday, with discussions focusing on land-related issues, planned urban expansion and the development of modern infrastructure.
The chief minister directed officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment for developing satellite townships in other urbanised districts. The study will take into account the availability of land, existing infrastructure, connectivity, civic amenities, employment opportunities and projected population growth.
Soren stressed that urban development should not be limited to the construction of roads and buildings but should focus on creating citizen-centric, sustainable and future-ready urban centres.
He said such planned urban centres should provide residents with better basic amenities, a safe environment, efficient connectivity and quality public services.
Ranchi Smart City expansion plan
The chief minister also directed officials to prepare a detailed roadmap for the possible expansion of Ranchi Smart City after assessing its existing infrastructure, resources and future requirements.
He said the rising population, increasing economic activity and changing urban needs required long-term and balanced planning for the expansion of Ranchi.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of holding further talks with Heavy Engineering Corporation Limited (HEC) on land and other issues related to the planned development of the area.
Focus on jobs and economic activity
Soren said the state government’s objective was to create a modern, safe, inclusive and well-planned urban environment that would improve the quality of life of citizens.
He said smart city and planned township projects could also generate new opportunities for investment, employment, trade and economic activity, apart from giving a new direction to urban development in the state.
The chief minister directed officials associated with the projects to expedite land-related work and other key processes through better coordination. He also called for regular reviews of progress and timely completion of targets.
Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Urban Development Department Principal Secretary Sunil Kumar, Finance Department Secretary Prashant Kumar, Industries Department Secretary Arwa Rajkamal, Revenue Department Secretary Chandrashekhar, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, Smart City CEO Suraj Kumar, JIADA Managing Director Varun Ranjan and Smart City General Manager Rakesh Kumar Nandkuliar were among those present at the meeting.
