Drains choke, locals unhappy with RMC’s pre-monsoon drive | Ranchi News – Times of India

Ranchi: Drains, clogged with plastic waste and silt, are causing waterlogging in low lying residential pockets and commercial spaces as pre-monsoon showers continues in the city. With monsoon likely to set over the state within a few days, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation’s (RMC) pre-monsoon measures are facing public scrutiny.One of the worst-hit areas is the Railway Station Road, where several drains remain open and choked. “Whenever it rains, the water mixed with sewage flows onto the road and into my shop. It is unbearable,” said Akash Kumar, a vendor. Another shopkeeper, Nitish Rai, said, “They only clean a small stretch and leave. We’ve been complaining for months, but the problem keeps coming back.”RMC deputy administrator Ravindra Kumar confirmed that 64 waterlogging-prone locations were identified. “Around 90% of the work is reportedly done,” he claimed. However, on-ground conditions tell a different story.According to a separate list, RMC has also marked 20 locations as ‘dangerous drains’ which are prone to collapse, accidents, or severe overflow. These include areas like Harikunj Tand, Tatisilwai, Dangratoli Chowk, Line Tank Road, and Sector 2 of Khelgaon, among others.Residents in these areas say danger lurks during every downpour. “In Line Tank Road, the open drain runs beside a school and is barely covered. It’s a death trap for children,” said Seema Verma, a parent.At Dangratoli Chowk, Mohammad Iqbal, an auto driver, said, “My vehicle got stuck twice last week due to waterlogging and an exposed drain. We are risking our lives.”In Bariatu’s Sanskriti Vihar, Kumari Bhawna said, “Just half an hour of rain floods the entire street. We’re trapped indoors for hours.”Despite assurances, several areas such as Hindpiri, Bada Talab, Argora Housing Colony, and others report persistent drainage failures. Some locations were flagged for new drain construction, but work remains stalled.