A labourer demolishes the illegal construction during the drive. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, May 10: Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA) today granted a day’s grace to Bargain Bazar during its drive to demolish buildings constructed without an approved plan or those which deviated from the approved plan.

While RRDA is showing no mercy to individual dwellings, it made an exception in case of the market building which stands a good 3.2m taller than the approved height of 15m and has godowns and generator room in the basement allotted for car parking.

RRDA officials, on the other hand, were not kind enough with two house-owners — Bibhuti Jha and Sushila Devi — whose dwelling units were partially demolished causing problems to the residents. Jha, had constructed his four room temporary house at Sai Colony in Chutia on a 1,400-sq ft plot with his hard-earned earnings. The 12-member Jha family were on the verge of tears when RRDA workers demolished a boundary wall, a bathroom and a room of their house.

In the other case, Sushila Devi was not present at her house when the demolition squad brought down a portion of her old house.

Local residents said Devi resides at Patna. RRDA officials said the portion was demolished since it was constructed in deviation from the approved plan, obstructing the entrance of an adjacent multi-storeyed apartment.

RRDA estate officer Sanjay Kumar, the acting magistrate during the drive, said the drive was launched on the direction of Jharkhand High Court a fortnight ago.

A Chutia resident, who has been running from pillar to post to get his building plan approved, said: “RRDA officials accept bribe and approve of construction plans flouting norms. Later, they only begin demolition drives. ”Reacting to the allegation, Kumar said: “It is not possible for RRDA to maintain vigil on all houses under construction in such a big area.”