Ranchi, Sep 2: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday reviewed ongoing and proposed projects of the Urban Development and Housing Department and the Road Construction Department, directing officials to adopt an integrated approach to urban infrastructure development.
During the review meeting at the Jharkhand Secretariat, Soren emphasised the need for long-term planning to accommodate the growing population and expansion of Ranchi and other major cities in the state.
He directed officials to incorporate drainage infrastructure into road projects from the design stage itself, saying adequate arrangements for water discharge should be made alongside road construction.
Areas prone to waterlogging should be identified and technically assessed, while existing roads facing drainage-related problems should also be upgraded, according to the directions issued during the meeting.The chief minister also called for comprehensive plans covering roads, public transport, traffic management, sanitation, solid waste management, parks and green spaces.
Soren directed officials to work towards developing organised vending facilities based on local requirements, including the possibility of establishing vendor markets in individual wards.He stressed that efforts to regulate roadside vending should not unnecessarily disrupt the livelihoods of street vendors and that suitable alternative spaces should be provided.
On traffic management, the chief minister ordered preparation of a database covering city buses, including their numbers, routes and schedules. He also asked officials to identify unnecessary road openings and cuts and take corrective measures to improve traffic flow and road safety.
The meeting also discussed the problem of tangled and hanging electricity and telecommunications cables in the city. Officials were asked to identify unused wires for removal and ensure that operational cables are properly arranged.
The government also plans to improve coordination among agencies responsible for laying utilities to minimise repeated road excavation.
Dedicated utility corridors or ducts may be considered wherever feasible.Soren further directed officials to identify illegal occupation of government land and initiate action in accordance with applicable rules. At the same time, he stressed the need for an organised approach to roadside encroachments and vending.
The chief minister instructed departments and implementing agencies to maintain regular monitoring of development projects and complete them within Determined timelines without compromising quality.
He said urban development should go beyond construction activities and focus on providing residents with safer, cleaner, better-connected and more convenient cities.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Sunil Kumar, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri and Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan, attended the meeting.
