Administrative team inspects Aam Bagan, drive to remove encroachment

Jamshedpur : The nine-decade old landmark Aam Bagan in the heart of city at Sakchi is no longer the green hub it used to be. Instead, the four-acre ground used as a play ground and for hosting socio-cultural and religious function has fallen victim to rampant encroachment and a source of pollution due to waste littered on it.

The ground hemmed in by Aam Bagan Masjid on its southern side and Rajasthan Vidya Mandir (a state owned high school) on its northern side, The Bengal Club (socio-cultural organization) on its western side is dotted by primarily residential areas barring the commercial establishment on the Thakur Bari Road.

Officials of The Bengal Club situated near the ground have sent letters to the district administration and JUSCO (which owns the ground) but no action was taken.

However, East Singhbhum district administration and Tata Steel subsidiary, Jusco have finally have decided to take stern steps to preserve Aambagan ground.

Recently a joint team of East Singhbhum district administration and Jusco conducted an on-the-spot survey of the ground and gave orders to carry out anti-encroachment drive at the ground and construct boundary wall across the ground to prevent violation.

Dhalbhum sub divisional officer (SDO) Prem Ranjan who led the team and was accompanied by Jusco general manager (town services) Dhananjay Mishra during the survey expressed concerns over rising encroachment and ordered immediate removal.

The increasing encroachment on the Government and Tata Steel lease land area particularly on busy market areas has become a matter of concern. Even the roads are squeezing day by day because of encroachments thus making difficult to drive the vehicles.

Bistupur, Sakchi and Jugsalai, which are the busiest areas of the town, over fifty fruit vendors and vegetable sellers have encroached the road and there are always a traffic jam as the fruit vendors have occupied one forth portion of the road, making difficult to move the heavy vehicles.

Encroachments in the city are omnipresent and thriving, much to the discomfort of the ordinary citizen. Be it the road, parks, pavements, markets or public land taken over in the name of religion, the city is known for the encroachments which blot the urban landscape.

The around witnesses six to seven fairs and exhibitions apart from political rallies and meetings also hosts one of the most popular Durga Puja hosted by Jamshedpur Sarbojanin Durga Puja committee.