Ranchi's Ward 10: A Tale of Urban Extremes and Civic Neglect
In the heart of Ranchi city, Ward 10 stands as a stark example of urban planning failures, where residents navigate between two extreme realities each year. This densely populated area experiences a troubling paradox that transforms seasonal changes into recurring crises for its 26,806 inhabitants.
The Water Paradox: Scarcity and Flooding
During peak summer months, Ward 10 residents face severe drinking water shortages that leave taps dry for days, forcing dependence on water tankers for basic survival. Sunita Devi, a resident of Sarhul Nagar, expressed the community's frustration: "In summer, taps run dry for days, and people depend on tankers. When it rains, drains overflow and water enters houses. There is no long-term solution, only temporary fixes."
Come monsoon season, the same neighborhoods that struggled for water become submerged, with clogged and broken drainage systems failing to handle even moderate rainfall. Waterlogging persists across low-lying pockets, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and increasing the risk of deadly water-borne diseases.
Sanitation and Health Concerns
Residents report that sanitation drives significantly slow down during rainy periods, leaving dirty water stagnant for extended durations. Ramesh Mahto from the Dhobi Ghat area highlighted the health implications: "Dirty water stays stagnant for days. Mosquitoes breed, and fogging is rarely done." This neglect in basic civic services exposes the community to preventable health risks year after year.
Safety Challenges in Student-Populated Areas
Ward 10 hosts a substantial student population living in rented accommodations across Kokar and Lalpur areas, raising urgent concerns about safety infrastructure. Several internal lanes remain dimly lit or completely dark after sunset, creating hazardous conditions for students returning from coaching classes or libraries.
Anjali Verma, a college student residing in Lower Burdwan Compound, shared her experience: "Parents worry when students return late from their coaching classes or libraries. Darkness makes these lanes unsafe." The absence of proper street lighting has become a significant security concern for both residents and visiting families.
Call for Surveillance and Infrastructure Improvements
Former ward councillor Arjun Kumar Yadav emphasized the critical need for surveillance systems: "CCTV cameras are a must for Ward 10. Many students live here away from their homes, and they need protection. Security in inner lanes is extremely important, especially at night." He added that coordinated monitoring alongside improved street lighting could substantially reduce incidents of theft and harassment.
Residents consistently flag the lack of regular fogging and delayed maintenance of basic infrastructure. Mohammad Salim, a shopkeeper near the distillery area, pointed to systemic issues: "Complaints are made, but follow-up action is weak." This pattern of inadequate response highlights deeper governance challenges in addressing Ward 10's multifaceted problems.
Demographic Context and Planning Gaps
According to the 2011 census data, Ward 10's population includes 13,380 women and 13,425 men, representing a diverse community with specific needs. Despite this demographic density, local residents argue that civic planning has consistently failed to match ground realities, leaving them vulnerable to seasonal extremes and security concerns.
The combination of fragile drainage systems, inconsistent civic services, and absent surveillance infrastructure has created a perfect storm of urban challenges. As Ward 10 continues to grow, particularly with its expanding student population, the urgency for comprehensive solutions becomes increasingly critical for Ranchi's urban development narrative.
