RANCHI: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has initiated a thorough survey and demarcation of all plots owned by the municipality to safeguard against encroachment. This order was recently given by municipal commissioner Sushant Gaurav.
The action follows a rise in land grabbing activities on corporation-owned properties, some of which were detected through drone surveillance.
Deputy municipal commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu stated that the survey would assist in identifying unused land, protect public assets, and facilitate future civic infrastructure development.
“Many RMC lands have been repurposed for government structures over the years. However, numerous areas remain underutilized and vulnerable to encroachment. We will conduct a comprehensive survey to create an updated list. Identified land parcels will either support community-oriented projects or be secured with barricades,” he noted.
The corporation plans to install permanent information boards on identified plots, clearly indicating RMC ownership and prohibiting any unauthorized use or construction. This initiative aims to deter encroachment while informing the public about restricted areas.
RMC intends to develop these vacant lands for community purposes. Development proposals for the identified plots will be sought, which could include facilities such as children’s playgrounds, community halls, women’s training centers, or public restrooms. The goal is to ensure that no land remains idle and is instead utilized for the benefit of the community.
Sahu added that drone footage and ground assessments had uncovered numerous instances of RMC land misuse. In one case near Harmu, makeshift structures were being erected on open plots before being removed by the enforcement team. “Our approach is to take preventative measures rather than react post-violation,” Sahu emphasized.
Officials have been directed to complete the survey promptly and provide a consolidated report for future planning. The corporation is also considering GIS mapping and tech-enabled land record management to prevent duplications and conflicts.
Encroachment on municipal land has long been a challenge in Ranchi, resulting in diminished civic spaces and complications in project implementation.
