Ranchi Ward 41 Residents Express Doubt Over Election Promises Amid Persistent Civic Issues
As the February 23 election approaches, residents of Ward 41 in the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) are viewing the campaign premises made by ward councillor and mayoral candidates with significant skepticism. This ward, which encompasses the entire Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) area, including HEC Colony, HEC Township, and HEC Sector 2, has long suffered from a lack of basic civic infrastructure, leaving its inhabitants frustrated and disillusioned.
Chronic Shortages in Parks and Open Spaces Highlighted
Ahead of the upcoming election, residents have raised urgent concerns about the shortage of parks and open spaces, which are essential for children and the elderly. Ramji Prasad, a candidate for ward councillor in the forthcoming election, acknowledged the issue, stating, "Although the ward has a few playgrounds, the area lacks parks where elderly people can go for morning and evening walks. Also, lanes are in urgent need of repairs." This sentiment reflects a broader dissatisfaction among the community, who feel neglected by previous administrations.
Erratic Water Supply and Drainage Problems Worsen Living Conditions
Residents are grappling with erratic water supplies, forcing many households to depend on stored water whenever it is available. The situation is exacerbated by choked drains across several localities, leading to foul odours and an increased risk of vector-borne diseases, particularly during the rainy season. Shiv Kumar, a local resident, detailed the water crisis, explaining, "Despite the municipal corporation laying water pipelines around two years ago across various localities in the ward, water is yet to reach the households. HEC supplies water to households once a day, which is not sufficient for families."
Kumar further noted that due to this insufficiency, many families have resorted to deep well boring, depleting groundwater levels in the area. He added, "New families are not getting water even after deep boring," highlighting a growing environmental and health concern. The combination of water scarcity and poor drainage has created a dire living environment, with residents expressing fatigue over repeated promises that have failed to materialize.
Election Promises Met with Cynicism
With the election looming, candidates are making various pledges to address these civic woes, but residents remain cautious. Years of unmet expectations have led to a widespread belief that such promises are merely political rhetoric. The community's primary demands include reliable water supply, proper drainage systems, and the development of parks and recreational areas. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the focus is on whether this election will bring tangible improvements or continue the cycle of neglect.
The situation in Ward 41 serves as a microcosm of broader urban challenges in Ranchi, where infrastructure development often lags behind population growth. Residents hope that increased attention during the election period will translate into sustained action post-election, but for now, they are taking all campaign assurances with a grain of salt.
