CM orders strict action against encroachment on water bodies

Strap: Reviews Urban Development and Housing Department

PNS

Ranchi

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday conducted a high-level review meeting of the Urban Development and Housing Department and directed officials to ensure timely implementation of all public welfare projects across the state.

Reviewing the department’s progress and priorities for the current financial year, the Chief Minister stressed the need to strengthen urban infrastructure, improve civic amenities, and accelerate smart city initiatives. He instructed officials to focus on road construction, sewerage treatment plants, drinking water supply, traffic management, waste disposal systems, and expansion of urban transport facilities.

A major focus of the meeting was illegal encroachment on rivers, dams, ponds, drains, and other water bodies. Soren directed officials to identify and demolish all illegal constructions built on water source areas and take strict legal action, including filing FIRs against violators. He also appealed to the public not to construct houses or other structures on water bodies, warning that such encroachments pose a serious threat to the environment and urban drainage systems.

The Chief Minister specifically instructed officials to prepare an effective conservation plan for Kanke Dam in Ranchi. He ordered closure of drains directly discharging into the dam, demarcation and fencing of the catchment area, and awareness campaigns to prevent pollution of the water body.

Soren also directed officials to develop solar energy infrastructure and install solar streetlights along ring roads across the state, including Ranchi. He asked the department to place a proposal before the Cabinet within 15 days for implementation of the project.

The Chief Minister further emphasized solid waste management, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling systems in every urban household, apartment, hotel, and housing society. He called for greater public participation in waste segregation and environmental protection measures.

During the meeting, officials also discussed scientific disposal of legacy waste at Jhiri in Ranchi using modern technologies.

Urban Development and Housing Minister Sudivya Kumar and senior officials, including Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar and departmental secretaries, were present at the meeting.