RANCHI: The municipal corporation (RMC) has ordered a comprehensive survey and demarcation of all RMC-owned plots to protect municipal land from encroachment. The directive was issued recently by municipal commissioner Sushant Gaurav.
The move comes in the wake of an increase in land grabbing and encroachment on corporation-owned land, some of which has been detected recently through drone surveillance.
Deputy municipal commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu on Tuesday said the survey would help in identifying unused land, safeguarding public assets, and preparing for future civic infrastructure.
“Over the years, many RMC lands have been used for various govt structures. But several stretches remain unutilised and prone to encroachment. Now, a fresh list will be prepared through proper survey and demarcation. Once identified, appropriate land parcels will either be used for people-centric structures or protected by barricading,” he added.
The corporation has decided to install permanent information boards on identified plots, clearly stating that the land belongs to RMC and any private use or construction is illegal. This move is aimed at serving a dual purpose: deterring encroachers and informing the public that such land is off-limits.
RMC is planning to develop vacant lands for community benefit. Development plans have been sought for each identified plot, which may include facilities like children’s play areas, community halls, women’s training centres, or public toilets. The objective is to ensure that no land remains idle and is instead put to constructive public use.
He added that drone footage and ground reports have revealed multiple spots where RMC land was being misused. In one such case near Harmu, makeshift sheds were being constructed on open plots before being dismantled by the enforcement team. “The idea is to take timely preventive steps, not just act after violations occur,” Sahu added.
Officials have been asked to complete the survey at the earliest and submit a consolidated report for further planning. The corporation is also exploring GIS mapping and tech-based land record management to avoid duplication and disputes.
Encroachment on municipal land has been a persistent issue in Ranchi, leading to loss of civic space and hurdles in project execution.
