The precast cement concrete fencing at Beldih Golf Course. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur is keen to trade its rusty, barbed iron fences for the sturdier and more aesthetic precast concrete ones.

Tata Steel subsidiary Jusco teed off the fence makeover drive from the lush green nine-hole Beldih Golf Course a week ago. If the plan works out, similar concrete panel fencing will be seen in almost all major parks and grounds of the steel city.

Beldih Club secretary and senior executive at Tata Steel managing director’s office Farzan Heerjee confirmed that Jusco was undertaking the project at their suggestion. “We opted for this form of fencing as it gives an aesthetic look in comparison to the rusty iron fences. This apart, it is more economical and durable,” Heerjee said.

The civil section of the Jusco, a wholly owned Tata Steel subsidiary, has been entrusted with the task of laying the precast concrete fencing. The concrete slabs that make up the fence are nearly five feet tall and 2.5 feet wide each. However, the size can be altered depending on the requirement at housing colonies, parks and gardens.

According to Heerjee, the new structures also had less chances of being stolen unlike the earlier ones that caught the eye of iron pilferers. “Cases of theft of iron fences have increased at the golf course in the recent past. We were toying with the idea of a better alternative that came in the form of precast concrete,” he added.

A senior official of Jusco said expenses for installing one unit of iron fence came to about Rs 4,000 while the cement structures were available in the range of Rs 2,000 per unit.

“The work at Beldih Golf Course is nearly over and we would now start a similar project near Dhatkidih flats. If the plan goes well, we might install such structures in other parts of the city as well,” said the official.

Managing director of Jusco Manish Sharma said concrete fencing was part of a beautification drive. “It is known as majestic fencing for its aesthetic appeal,” he added.