Hazaribagh civic authorities have constructed three waiting sheds in the town to provide shelter to common people, especially students, in scorching heat or sudden rain or thunderstorms.

The three concrete structures with benches have come up on Lake Road near the fisheries department office, near Gandhi Maidan in Matwari and in the vicinity of Holy Cross School at PTC Chowk.

And if civic sources are to be believed, another four similar facilities will soon come up in other parts of the town.

Executive officer, Hazaribagh Municipal Corporation, H.T. Rai said a large number of school and college students used these three routes on a daily basis. "They catch bus from Lake Road or PTC Chowk. During summer and rains, they used to face a lot of difficulties. Now, they can take cover under these sheds during showers or sweltering heat. Each of these structures cost Rs 2 lakh. We are planning to set up more sheds in the town," he said.

In another move, the corporation has decided to crack down on squatters illegally occupying civic body's property in the town. "The corporation is taking all steps to free its property from encroachments," Rai added.

According to sources, a new hotel, which is near completion, in the town's Matwari area has encroached upon the NH-100. Rai said civic officials had been asked to measure the plot and submit a report in this regard at the earliest.

The civic body is also planning to start a solid waste management project in Mandai and has identified 12 acres for the same.

The corporation has signed an agreement with Ranchi-based Ritika company to carry out a survey in all the 32 wards for fixing water and holding tax. "This company has been hired by the urban development department to do a survey and to collect taxes on time. It has started working this month in a move to generate revenues," Rai said.