Driven away a few years ago, the slum-dwellers of Islam Nagar have returned to their old address, taking shelter from the elements in shanties fashioned out of plastic and metal sheets. Their perseverance comes from the promise of houses for them on the very land they were ousted from.
Originally belonging to Government Polytechnic College, the 6.09 acres of land is now owned by Urban Development and Housing Department, which plans to develop it into affordable residential structures for these settlers who were once removed from here.
Science and Technology Department transferred the land to Urban Development and Housing, free of cost, earlier this year in March, with the office of Divisional Commissioner of Chotanagpur Division consenting to the transfer of ownership on July 13.
In the stipulations laid down by the Commissioner for the piece of land, it was mentioned that the land could be used only for rehabilitating the removed people of Islam Nagar, failing to do so will entail it to be returned to its original owner, Science and Technology Department. Moreover, possession of the plot cannot be given to an individual, organisation, company or corporate society, as per the order of the Chotanagpur Divisional Commissioner.
Back in 2011, unauthorised settlers at Islam Nagarwere removed during an anti-encroachment drive, causing rampant unrest across Ranchi. After several unfruitful assurances of rehabilitation and hardships, they resettled once again at Islam Nagar some time later.
As plans to send them to flats constructed under Basic Services for the Urban Poor (BSUP) Scheme in Madhukam failed, authorities decided that they will be given a place to live at Islam Nagar only under the same scheme.
As of now, around 200 families live here amidst rains and absence of basic amenities like drinking water, electricity, drainage system or toilets, waiting for houses of their own. Meanwhile, the civic guardians promise that the shacks erected by people over the debris of their old home will be soon transferred to proper houses.
“Further decisions now rest with Urban Development Department. Municipal Commissioner Prashant Kumar has asked the Department whether they will prepare the Detailed Project Report for the BSUP flats to rehabilitate Islam Nagar people or should Ranchi Municipal Corporation take up the job. We await their response,” said Ward-16 Councillor Nazima Raza.
BSUP flats to accommodate more than 700 families will be constructed soon, Raza said. “Only 444 families were identified in the initial round of survey; around 250 more were added later by on-spot verification. Moreover, those who settled in other localities after the anti-encroachment drive also wish to come back,” she added.
We will take up the issue in the RMC Board meeting to ensure that the project is started and completed in right earnest, stated Raza.