Jharkhand Housing Board Colonies: Traders Oppose RMC Crackdown on Commercial Activities

Ranchi: Traders operating from the Jharkhand State Housing Board (JSHB) colonies located at Harmu, Bariatu and Argora have opposed action to end commercial activities in residential areas. The move folows the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) issuing notices to traders and allowing them a brief window for voluntary closure before eviction.

Rajesh Kumar, executive engineer, Ranchi division of JSHB, said, “Around 400 commercial units have been identified across the three colonies. These areas are strictly residential as per planning norms.”

However, traders said the crackdown threatens their livelihoods. Vijay Kumar, a shopkeeper in Harmu housing colony, said his family’s survival depends on his business. “I have been running this shop for years. It is our only source of income. Shutting it down suddenly without any alternative will leave us with nothing,” he said. A Bariatu-based trader echoed similar concerns, saying relocation without support would be financially crippling.

Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) president Aditya Malhotra questioned alleged inconsistency in policy. “If these areas were non-commercial, why were trade licences issued in the first place? Now, with such a short window, how are traders expected to cope? Before any eviction, authorities must provide viable alternatives and proper rehabilitation,” he said.

Deputy municipal commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu said, “Around 90% of traders in these colonies have not obtained trade licences. The nature of the premises, whether residential or commercial, is not checked during issuing licences.”

Further action in the matter will be taken in accordance with the directions issued by JSHB, officials said.

“The RMC has received clear instructions from the board to cancel existing trade licences in these colonies and refrain from issuing anymore,” Sahu added.