Ranchi, July 9: Chief secretary Rajiv Gauba today took note of the state capital's crumbling civic infrastructure, promising more funds to Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) to begin work on a war footing to repair bad roads and revamp parks and lakes.
To go about it, Gauba asked RMC to prepare detailed estimates for the revamp.
The chief secretary held a meeting with urban development secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh, RMC chief municipal commissioner Prashant Kumar, road construction secretary Rajbala Verma, water resources secretary Sukhdev Singh, drinking water and sanitation department secretary A.P. Singh, among others, at his Project Building office.
He also directed coordination among BSNL, drinking water and sanitation and road construction departments, highlighting the havoc faced by residents in its absence.
Reports of telecom cables and drinking water pipes getting damaged due to civic construction are frequent in a city where the road construction department is building drains across city thoroughfares and lanes, often unscientifically, at a cost of over Rs 300 crore.
He also directed removal of encroachments from roads and beautification and maintenance of roundabouts. Vacant space of Naga Baba Khatal (cattleshed) area should not be encroached again and a boundary wall for the proposed Urban Haat should start as soon as possible, he advised.
Gauba also took stock of the revamp of Birsa Munda bus stand, sewerage treatment plant and solid waste management plan. Urban development department will give all possible help for the city's beautification, Gauba added.
RMC chief municipal commissioner Prashant Kumar claimed that for cleanliness, Ranchi had been divided into four zones and extra workforce and machines deputed for the task. However, Gauba was not convinced.
Speaking later to The Telegraph, Gauba said a review of the RMC's functioning was long pending and necessary.
"Upgrade of roads, lakes and parks was the focus of the review. Extra funds will be given to RMC to undertake revamp jobs. RMC has been told to finish detailed project reports by September 30 so that work can start by October 15. RMC has also been asked to prepare detailed reports for Kanke, Hatia and Rukka dams."
