Jharkhand News: Ranchi DC Manjunath Bhajantri Appears in High Court, Announces Alternative Site for Vending Zone 1

Ranchi, January 03, 2025: In a recent hearing at the Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi District Commissioner (DC) Manjunath Bhajantri provided an update regarding the relocation of footpath vendors from Morabadi Ground. The court session, which addressed a contempt petition filed by vendors who were removed from the site, saw the DC appearing in person to present the latest developments.

Alternative Site Identified for Vending Zone 1

During the hearing, the Ranchi DC informed the court that an alternative site for Vending Zone 1 had been identified. The new location, which the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has also agreed upon, will serve as a relocation area for vendors displaced from Morabadi. This development follows the High Court’s earlier directive to find a suitable space for the vendors, whose operations were disrupted due to ongoing construction and legal challenges in the designated vending zones.

The DC further clarified that the area in Vending Zone 1 had been encroached upon by several private properties, making the eviction process legally complex. As a result, the authorities have been working on an alternative site, which is now ready for implementation, pending further formalities.

Ranchi Municipal Corporation’s Role and Agreement

The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has played a pivotal role in the process, with the local body expressing its full agreement with the alternative site identified for Vending Zone 1. The corporation’s cooperation is crucial for the smooth relocation of vendors and the successful implementation of the court’s orders. The court has instructed both the vendors and RMC to file their responses regarding the alternative site in the coming days.

The RMC had earlier identified three potential sites around Morhabadi Ground for the vendors, but delays in finalizing these locations have led to frustration among the affected vendors. The latest agreement between the Ranchi DC and RMC is expected to expedite the process and provide a resolution to the ongoing issue.

Progress on Vending Zones 2 and 3

While the focus was on Zone 1, the High Court also addressed the progress of Vending Zones 2 and 3, which were part of the original relocation plan. Vendors and their representatives expressed concerns over the lack of progress in the construction of these zones. The court, visibly displeased with the delays, directed the RMC to submit a detailed report on the status of these zones by March 5. The court emphasized that further delays would not be tolerated, and if necessary, an advocate commissioner may be appointed to monitor the progress.

Vending Zone 2, located near the Morabadi football ground, has reportedly seen minimal construction, with only about 30% of the work completed. Vending Zone 3, which was intended to accommodate night markets, has faced similar setbacks. Despite a ground-breaking ceremony held at the site, vendors have yet to be relocated to the area.

Ranchi High Court’s Ongoing Monitoring

The Ranchi High Court has made it clear that it will continue to monitor the progress of these vending zones closely. The court had previously expressed its dissatisfaction with the delay in implementing the relocation plan, which was initially scheduled to be completed over a year ago. In its latest directive, the court instructed the RMC to expedite the construction and ensure that the vendors are provided with designated spaces as per the original plan.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 7, where the court will review the responses from both the vendors and the RMC. The court’s decisions will likely have a significant impact on the future of Morabadi vendors and the ongoing efforts to provide them with a suitable place to conduct their businesses.

In summary, the Ranchi DC’s appearance in the High Court and the identification of an alternative site for Vending Zone 1 mark significant steps toward resolving the ongoing issues faced by footpath vendors in the city. With the Ranchi Municipal Corporation’s support, the relocation process is expected to gain momentum. However, the delays in the construction of Vending Zones 2 and 3 remain a point of contention and the court’s future directives will be critical in ensuring timely resolution.