Ranchi Ward 5 Grapples with Severe Infrastructure Deficiencies
In Ranchi, numerous colonies within ward number 5, predominantly inhabited by other backward castes and tribal communities, are confronting a dire lack of basic amenities. The area suffers from an absence of drinking water, inadequate drainage systems, and poorly maintained roads, creating significant hardships for residents.
Critical Issues in Booty Basti and Surrounding Colonies
The ward encompasses several localities, including Nayak Tola Bank colony, Ekta Nagar, Khijutola, Kishunpur, Lam, Badgai, and Pahan tola. A major concern for Booty Basti residents is the missing road to the burning ghat, complicating funeral processes. Locals report that untreated drain water from Kishunpur and Lam colonies flows directly into the Jamuar river, leading to contamination.
In Nayak Basti, drains remain uncovered in many places, and water accumulates on a 50-decimal land due to lack of proper exits. Additionally, Madaitoli and Pahantoli lack drainage systems altogether, despite a detailed project report being ready for implementation.
Drinking Water Crisis and Failed Solutions
Every household in Booty Basti faces acute drinking water shortages. Basanti Kumari of Nayak Tola highlighted that a water pipeline was installed four years ago but has never been operational. Attempts to secure water through deep bore wells have also failed, leaving residents dependent on tankers during summer months.
Jaikishore Nayak, an area resident, explained that people must travel approximately two kilometers to the Jamuar river for activities like washing clothes. Over 1,500 residents could potentially access supply water from a pipeline about 100 meters away, but a locally laid pipe was damaged during drain construction, further exacerbating the problem.
Road Hazards and Safety Concerns
Kapil Nayak pointed out that roads are broken in multiple locations, making them accident-prone. The road to the burning ghat becomes submerged during monsoon seasons, causing incidents where people carrying corpses have fallen along with coffins. In Kishunpur, the absence of street lights on non-existent roads leads to frequent slips and falls among commuters, adding to the daily risks faced by the community.
Kundan Kumar, a local representative of the former ward councilor, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "The river water is getting contaminated," underscoring the environmental and health impacts of the ongoing infrastructure neglect.
