Ranchi Civic Crisis: Wards 16 & 17 Grapple with Drain Hazards and Traffic Chaos
Residents of Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) wards 16 and 17 continue to face severe civic neglect, with unsafe infrastructure and mounting traffic pressure plaguing their daily lives. The situation is particularly dire in densely populated inner lanes and bustling commercial areas, where basic amenities have been overlooked for years.
Open Drains Pose Serious Safety Risks
In Ward 16, former councillor Nazima Raza highlighted the alarming condition of open drains across residential localities, describing them as a significant safety hazard. "Almost all drains in the ward have been left open. This poses a major risk, especially to children," Raza emphasized. She noted that repeated complaints to authorities have yielded minimal improvement, leaving residents vulnerable to accidents and health issues.
The internal road network connecting localities such as:
- Nayatoli
- Purulia Road
- Church Road
- Karbala Tank Road
- Pathal Kudwa
- Mission Chowk
forms the backbone of these wards, which are among the most densely populated pockets in Ranchi. Residents report that clogged drains, stagnant wastewater, and foul odours have become routine, raising serious concerns over hygiene and public health. "During the monsoon, drain water overflows onto the lanes, making it impossible to walk without stepping into filth," said Arman, a resident of Pathal Kudwa.
Traffic Congestion Reaches Breaking Point
Karbala Tank Road, a key stretch in this belt, has emerged as a major pressure point for traffic. Serving as a busy commercial hub and a crucial link between Lalpur and the main road towards Doranda and Hinoo, the road experiences round-the-clock congestion. The situation deteriorates near Karbala Chowk, where a large automobile servicing market operates, exacerbating traffic woes.
Continuous vehicular movement, rampant roadside parking, and narrow lanes frequently lead to severe traffic snarls. Residents complain of incessant honking and choked lanes, which not only disrupt daily commutes but also hamper the movement of emergency vehicles, posing additional risks to public safety.
Persistent Challenges and Expert Warnings
Residents have identified poor drain maintenance, encroachments, and unregulated traffic as persistent challenges that authorities have failed to address adequately. Civic experts warn that without coordinated planning for drainage systems, traffic management, and market regulation, wards 16 and 17 will remain trapped in a vicious cycle of congestion and urban decay.
With urban density continuing to rise in Ranchi, the need for immediate civic intervention has become more urgent than ever. Residents of wards 16 and 17 are calling for comprehensive measures to make their area safer, cleaner, and more liveable, stressing that further delays could lead to irreversible damage to public health and infrastructure.
