Ranchi Ward 34 Residents Grapple With Severe Civic Problems Ahead of Municipal Elections
Residents of ward number 34 under the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) continue to face a multitude of persistent civic issues that have significantly impacted their daily lives. The ward, which encompasses substantial portions of Hehal Pahartoli along with sections of Harmu and Argora, has become a focal point in the upcoming February 23 municipal elections, with an exceptionally high number of 22 candidates contesting for representation.
Garbage Collection Crisis Forces Residents to Take Extreme Measures
The absence of a reliable waste disposal system has created a sanitation emergency in the area. Many residents have been forced to resort to dumping and burning garbage in empty plots due to the irregular collection services. Manoj Kumar, a resident of Lalit Narayan Mishra Colony, provided a firsthand account of the situation: "The garbage collection vans rarely come to our colony. When we request regular service, they demand extra money. Even after payment, they only show up once or twice a week. There is absolutely no support from the civic body authorities."
Poor Drainage Infrastructure Creates Health Hazards
Inadequate drainage systems represent another critical concern for Ward 34 residents. Locals allege that drains constructed in the area are rarely cleaned, resulting in wastewater overflowing onto streets and creating unsanitary conditions. Dilip Baraik, a resident of Pahartoli, explained the severity of the problem: "Stagnant drain water near our homes poses serious health risks to our families. We cannot allow our children to play outside due to these hazardous conditions. The garbage disposal situation is equally challenging—I travel nearly half a kilometre daily to dispose of waste because there are no dustbins in my neighbourhood and collection vans simply do not come."
Water Scarcity and Rising Crime Compound Problems
Water scarcity, particularly during summer months, has emerged as a major issue forcing residents to purchase water from private tankers at considerable expense. This crisis has motivated some residents to enter the political arena. Kiran Bando (30), a resident of Munda Toli in Hehal and first-time councillor candidate, stated: "Residents are frequently compelled to buy water from private tankers at high costs. I decided to contest these elections because I realized that if we want genuine change in our community, we must take the initiative ourselves rather than waiting for authorities to act."
Concerns over rising crime have also prompted political engagement. Mukesh Nag Mirdha, another first-time candidate from Bajra Pahartoli, highlighted the interconnected nature of these issues: "Long-pending civic problems combined with growing safety concerns motivated me to enter the electoral fray. Garbage accumulation, drainage failures, and water shortages have persisted for years without resolution. Crime has become a serious additional worry. My election manifesto includes comprehensive installation of CCTV cameras to cover all roads and corners throughout the ward. It was clearly time for someone to step forward and address these pressing matters."
High-Stakes Election With Multiple Candidates
The concentration of 22 candidates contesting in Ward 34—among the highest in Ranchi—reflects both the severity of local problems and residents' determination to find solutions through political representation. The municipal elections scheduled for February 23 will determine whether new leadership can effectively address these longstanding civic challenges that have plagued the area for years.
