RMC approves conversion of Zakir Hussain Park into Dharna spot

In a major decision to get rid of regular traffic congestions and free the major protest site leading towards Governor House , Zakir Hussain Park – a recreational spot adjacent to Raj Bhawan will be converted into ‘Zakir Hussain Dharna Sthal’.

The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Wednesday passed a resolution during the monthly board meeting to free all roads in close proximity to Raj Bhawan. The board members unanimously gave their consent over the decision, bringing this new arrangement with immediate effect.

Notably, all major protests are organised at the road alongside the park creating trouble and panic like situation for public during the peak hours. The roads leading towards the Governor House is blocked, when thousands of agitators frequently gathers at a time on Governor House route. Taking cue of the recent incident, where the whole traffic management came to a halt for nearly five long hours, the decision has been considered during the meet.

“We often get complain about the traffic jam. Especially due to the protest organized on the road, near the Governor House, the problem is continuing and at times has severe impact on regular vehicular movement. Considering the spot as one of the busiest routes, we need to shift the protest site to another place,” said Mayor Asha Lakra while giving consent to this resolution.

Meanwhile, taking up other basic civic issues of different wards, the ward councilors during the meeting raised their voice to terminate MSW-Essel Infra – the company who is managing the task of solid waste management here. Ward Councilor of ward 16, Nazima Raza quipped that despite of giving ample time to the private agency to cover all wards, the company is yet to take up the charge of all wards; hence, the Corporation should take the charge in their hands. Also, the ward councilors termed the work of the company, substandard.

Assuring action against the company, the Mayor said, “Since the resolution has been brought in RMC board meet, now the Municipal Commissioner has to take action against the company following the norms.” Meanwhile, the ward councilors have demanded to conduct a survey of all tenants as to get information about the total number of occupants who are intentionally skipping the solid waste user charge.

On the other hand, Municipal Commissioner, Shantanu Agrahari assured the ward councilors that all pending tenders for old schemes will be finalized within 15 days. Also, the Municipal Commissioner said that from July 31 onwards, all major work will be done through online medium to create transparency. Further, recruitment of 10 Junior Engineers (JE) is on the cards for completing different civil construction task in stimulated time.