At a time when the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) is planning to strengthen RFID-based monitoring of household waste collection, residents in several inner lanes of the city claimed that garbage pickup remains irregular and open dumping continues unabated.
Worst-affected localities
Localities in Kokar, Lalpur, Hinoo, Doranda, Hindpiri and Karbala areas are among the worst-affected, with residents alleging that sanitation vehicles frequently skip narrow lanes. As a result, waste is often dumped near drains, roadside corners and vacant plots, worsening hygiene conditions.
In Kokar's Tunki Toli, the problem has become severe, with garbage lying in the open and parts of the area turning into a mini dumping yard. The locality, situated close to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), houses many students and doctors in rented accommodations, making sanitation a pressing concern.
Medical professional raises alarm
Amit Kumar, a medical practitioner, said, “Tunki Toli connects directly to Rims and many students, interns and medical staff live in the area. When garbage remains dumped in the open for days, it creates foul smell, leads to mosquito breeding and serious hygiene concerns. This is not the kind of environment expected near a major medical institution.”
RFID system not delivering results
RMC has installed RFID tags on lakhs of households to digitally track whether garbage has been collected from each house and improve accountability. However, residents said the technology has not translated into regular service in inner colonies.
Councillors acknowledge gaps
Councillor of ward 13, Pawan Tirkey, said, “In areas like Tam Tam Toli, Chinua Toli, Kathar Toli and Thumsa Toli, door-to-door collection in inner lanes is still not properly done. Garbage collection is limited and only a few vehicles come. We have raised the issue at the higher level because residents continue to suffer.”
Councillor of ward 9, Preety Ranjan, said, “I was not aware of this issue in detail. I will speak to the officials concerned.”
Demand for stricter monitoring
Residents have demanded stricter monitoring of sanitation contractors and regular waste collection in inner lanes. They urge the RMC to ensure that the RFID-based system leads to tangible improvements in garbage pickup, especially in narrow and hard-to-reach areas.
