Jamshedpur: Controversy erupts over construction of park on centennial pond

SDM issues stop work order, case pending in High Court

 Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, June 2: Construction activities for a park surrounding a historic 100-year-old pond in Uliyan Anil Sur Path A-road, Kadma police station area of Jamshedpur, have sparked controversy. Over the past 10 days, the project gained momentum until Sunday, when MP Bidyut Baran Mahato intervened. Acting on his request, SDM Dhalbhum Parul Singh imposed a complete ban on construction until a verdict is issued by the High Court.

The ownership of the pond and the adjacent land is at the center of the dispute. Originally associated with Arun Chandra Bose since 1932, the area, marked under plot numbers 1279 and 1287, has seen encroachments over the years. While Bose laid claim to the pond and surrounding 4-acre land, illegal occupation has diminished the area to just 2.5 to 3 acres. Ownership subsequently passed to his daughter, Purnima Sharma.

Allegations have been leveled against Tata Steel for spearheading the park construction without proper authorization. Shrikant Sharma, son of Purnima Sharma, accused Tata Steel of forcefully initiating the project. Sharma claims that Tata Steel Land Department officials cited orders from the Civil Surgeon to justify the park’s development, ostensibly to prevent malaria in the area.

The project involved the use of heavy machinery, including three JCBs, for excavation. Additionally, the surrounding land was mixed with the pond, and efforts to lay paver blocks and install grills were underway, all under Tata Steel’s supervision.

Formal complaints were lodged with District Commissioner Ananya Mittal and MP Bidyut Baran Mahato on May 27, highlighting Tata Steel’s alleged unauthorized construction activities. The complaints raised concerns over the park construction and vehicular parking encroaching upon the pond embankment. Local political support for the project has also raised eyebrows.

Acting on these complaints, SDM Dhalbhum Parul Singh intervened, suspending construction until further notice. The ongoing land dispute between Purnima Sharma and Tata Steel has been a subject of litigation in the High Court since 2017. Despite a previous stay on land activities, Tata Steel purportedly circulated rumors of a favorable judgment, prompting Sharma’s renewed appeal to the court.

Sunil Singh from the Tata Steel Land department refrained from offering comments in this regard, stating that official statements would be provided on Monday.