Protests erupted at Madhukam and Rugrigara over reported allocation of houses to Islamnagar displaced as hundreds of residents lay siege to Ratu Road blocking traffic for about two hours.The blockade was lifted only after assurances from Urban Development Minister CP Singh.The protestors under the banner of ‘Khadgarha Bachao Samiti’ were against alleged allotment to the displaced residents of Islamnagar.
“Blocking traffic is not the solution to the problem. We will find the solution by coordinated efforts. Government will consider your demands,” said the Urban Development Minister.Ratu Road, which is one of the main arterial roads of Ranchi and connects the capital to other parts of Jharkhand, saw commuters facing troubles as no vehicle was allowed to pass through protestors who were sitting near Durga Mandir.
It was one of the rare occasions where high and mighty were stuck in the traffic jam like commoners. Rural Development Minister, Neelkanth Singh Munda and other senior Government officials had to face difficulty in passing through the protestors.Protestors alleged that the interests of the displaced of Madhukam and Rugrigara were overlooked whereas those who were displaced from elsewhere are being given primacy in the allotment of houses constructed under Basic Services for Urban Poor.
Notably, hundreds of flats are being constructed under the BSUP project to provide shelter to those displaced by Government action against encroachment.Senior officials of the district administration were on their toes sensing the seriousness of the situation and to remove blockade to ease traffic on Ratu Road.Incidentally, the flats have been under construction for a long time and the proposed allotment and handing over the possession has failed many deadlines. However, Jharkhand High Court has asked authorities to expedite the process and deliver houses to the displaced Islamnagar in a phased manner.
While disposing a petition for Islamnagar displaced the two-judge bench of High Court has ordered handing over 336 houses constructed in Madhukam by February 9 and handing over 16 houses in April.