RANCHI: The Jharkhand State Housing Board (JSHB) is moving to revoke over 30 residential allotments in the Harmu and Bariatu housing colonies for unauthorized commercial use.
This decision follows a series of notices issued to property owners who have not responded satisfactorily.
A JSHB representative, speaking anonymously, stated that the cancellation process is nearly complete after three rounds of notifications were sent to owners operating businesses such as clinics, pharmacies, coaching centres, and retail stores on their residential plots.
Officials from JSHB’s Ranchi division reported that nearly 400 commercial units have been identified operating illegally within residential areas across Harmu, Bariatu, and Argora colonies.
The Harmu area contains over 1,000 properties, including flats, plots, and single-storey homes, while Bariatu has around 500 units.
In Harmu, several residences have been converted into clinics, play schools, diagnostic centres, and market complexes, particularly near Sahjanand Chowk and the road to Argora.
Meanwhile, Bariatu has seen a rise in clinics, pharmacies, hostels, and eateries, primarily due to its growth as a medical hub surrounding the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) and various hospitals.
JSHB secretary Binay Lakra remarked, “We will assess the responses from the property owners who received notices before making a final decision and implementing an action plan accordingly.”
Vijay Kumar, a grocery store owner in Harmu housing colony, expressed concern, saying, “We’ve been operating here for years and diligently paying all necessary charges. If the authorities close our shops without a rehabilitation plan, many families will be adversely affected. The government should first provide us with alternatives.”
