RANCHI: Following a recent Supreme Court ruling that requires municipal bodies across all states and Union Territories to assess residential properties being utilized for commercial purposes and submit affidavits by May 15, traders operating in Bariatu and Argora housing colonies are worried about their means of livelihood.
Binay Lakra, secretary of the Jharkhand State Housing Board (JSHB), remarked, “These properties were assigned for residential use, meaning that commercial activities cannot be allowed. We have asked the Ranchi Municipal Corporation to revoke such trade licenses.”
Bariatu Housing Colony consists of over 500 housing units. “These were allocated by JSHB under various initiatives like ‘Janta Flats’ (G+3 units) for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Middle-Income Groups (MIG), and Higher-Income Groups (HIG). If these violations continue, we may have to cancel allotments and take legal action,” stated Rajesh Kumar, executive engineer of JSHB (Ranchi).
Over time, Bariatu has developed into a medical hub, hosting significant healthcare institutions such as Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, alongside various private hospitals, diagnostic centres, pharmacies, hostels, and eateries that serve patients and their families.
“Most businesses here are intertwined with the medical community. Closing them would create hardships for patients and jeopardize livelihoods,” expressed Dheeraj Kumar, a pharmacy owner in Bariatu.
“With many doctors residing in Bariatu, having pharmacies and clinics is crucial for patient care. A sudden closure would disrupt countless lives reliant on these services,” added Dr. Anil Verma.
“These shops are integral to our daily lives, ensuring easy access to medicines and daily necessities. Authorities should consider implementing a regularization policy,” stated resident Sunita Sinha.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu commented, “Our enforcement teams have initiated surveys in Harmu, Bariatu, and Argora. Trade licenses in the notified residential areas are being revoked, and no new licenses will be granted. While previous processes lacked verification of land use compliance, we are now committed to enforcing residential regulations, as widespread commercialization has been reported in violation of allotment conditions.”
In Argora Housing Colony, over 50 commercial entities have received notices on two occasions. “Many of us have run these businesses for years. If authorities plan to cancel licenses, they must clarify why they were issued in the first place and provide alternative options,” said trader Harshit Prasad.
Aditya Malhotra, president of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI), stated, “Shutting down these businesses will negatively impact the local economy and disrupt essential services.”
