Sinha says door-to-door waste collection, garbage segregation remain challenges
Jamshedpur Aims for No. 1 Spot in Cleanliness Survey
Every city household will have tap water by 2026: Rituraj Sinha
Jamshedpur, Sept 14: Jamshedpur has the potential to surpass Indore and secure the top position in the upcoming national cleanliness survey, but this can only be achieved with active participation from its citizens, said Rituraj Sinha, Managing Director of Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Limited (UISL), during an interaction with the media at United Club on Friday.
Sinha emphasized that in Indore, residents strictly avoid littering, whether outside their homes or from moving vehicles, which has helped the city maintain its leading position in cleanliness rankings. “We have strengthened Jamshedpur’s civic infrastructure, but the real change will come when every citizen takes responsibility,” he remarked.
Despite several improvements, he admitted that door-to-door garbage collection and segregation of dry and wet waste remain ongoing challenges.
Solid Waste Management Initiatives
Sinha highlighted the multiple steps being taken by Tata Steel UISL to enhance solid waste management across the city. Currently, the CRM plant at Bara processes nearly 1.5 lakh tonnes of urban waste annually. In addition, the company has introduced packaged sewage treatment plants and established biogas units in different localities, converting kitchen and food waste into energy used by clubs and canteens.
Key initiatives under waste management include:
- Construction of a 408 TPD compost plant.
- A 500 TPD biomining facility that recovers compost fertilizer and supplies refuse-derived fuel (RDF) to cement plants.
- Establishment of Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), with one already operational at Ullian.
- Development of a scientific landfill site.
These efforts recently earned Jamshedpur the third rank nationally in Swachh Survekshan (3–10 lakh population category) and a 5-star garbage-free city certification.
However, Sinha expressed concern that waste segregation at source in the city stands at only 40 percent. He appealed: “We urge every household to segregate dry, wet, and hazardous waste. Only then can we ensure cleanliness and long-term sustainability.”
Tap water for every home by 2026
On the subject of water supply, Sinha announced an ambitious goal: every household in Jamshedpur will have access to tap water by the summer of 2026. To support this, a pipeline network has already been laid in the eastern region.
Out of 5,400 forms distributed for water connections, only 1,500 were returned, with 1,000 residents paying the connection fee. So far, 975 households have received new connections. Sinha urged residents of 10 No. Basti, Namda Basti, Jojobera, Mahanand Basti, Punjabi Refugee Colony, Nandnagar, and other areas to apply and deposit fees to get water connections.
He also shared plans to provide 12,000 new connections under the second phase of the Moharda Water Supply Scheme.
Currently, Tata Steel UISL supplies piped water to nearly 95,000 households, of which 15,000 are company quarters and 80,000 are private city residences. According to Sinha, the quality of water supplied is better than the national standard, eliminating the need for additional filtration at home.
He explained that drinking water service coverage has now reached 91 percent, thanks to the Bhuiyadih Water Treatment Plant and automation of the Central and Sonari towers.
“Reliable and consistent water supply is a basic necessity, and we are committed to delivering it to every household in Jamshedpur,” Sinha said.
Tata Steel UISL MD also highlighted the significant expansion of the city’s sewerage infrastructure. Currently, 91 percent of Jamshedpur is covered under the network.
Recent additions include:
- Six new sewage pumping stations.
- One packaged sewage treatment plant.
- Septic tank cleaning services for households.
“These measures will improve sanitation and safeguard public health in the long term,” Sinha explained.
At present, the city has around 80,000 water connections (excluding Tata Steel accommodation), with 12,500 connections in Moharda and 1,500 more planned under Moharda Phase 2.
Power Network Strengthening
The UISL MD also shared progress in upgrading the city’s power distribution network.
- The Golmuri 33/6.6 kV substation has been expanded from 45 MVA to 65 MVA, benefiting 17,000 consumers.
- The Sakchi 33/6.6 kV substation was upgraded from 15 MVA to 35 MVA, providing reliable supply to 9,000 consumers, including MGM Hospital and government offices.
“Our focus is on strengthening the power distribution system, particularly in bustee areas, to ensure equitable access to electricity,” Sinha stated.
In the last two years, 14 transformers have been upgraded across Sonari, Ranikudar, Bistupur, Dhatkidih, Agrico, Namda Bustee, and Golmuri. Additionally, new low-tension networks have brought electricity to 3,600 bustee households, with plans to connect 4,500 more by 2031.
Push for Renewable Energy
Jamshedpur is also progressing in renewable energy adoption. So far, 122 rooftop solar projects in Jamshedpur and 45 in Seraikela have been commissioned, generating a combined capacity of 26.1 MWp.
Notable institutions such as Loyola School, DBMS, Motilal Nehru Public School, Kerala Public School, Tarapore School, and Meharbai Tata Memorial Hospital have installed rooftop solar systems.
“Renewable energy is not just an option but a responsibility. Through rooftop solar, we are encouraging schools, hospitals, and institutions to lead the way in sustainability,” Sinha said.
Flyover Proposal Rejected
On the subject of road infrastructure, Sinha revealed that Tata Steel had proposed the construction of three flyovers in Jamshedpur to ease traffic congestion, including one from Sakchi to Agrico, considered the busiest stretch.
Although the plan was initially approved, the Jharkhand government later rejected the proposal. Explaining the reasons, Sinha said: “Jamshedpur’s structure does not allow for a 500-meter ramp, a 200-meter flyover, and another 500-meter descent. This would only worsen traffic under the flyover.”
He assured that all damaged city roads will be repaired after the monsoon ends.
While detailing the company’s multiple initiatives, Sinha repeatedly emphasized the importance of public cooperation. “Infrastructure alone cannot transform the city. Just like Indore, we need conscious and disciplined citizens who care about cleanliness and civic responsibility,” he said.
