Alleges eight-month delays despite funds being available; seeks immediate clearance
Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Nov 19: A series of stalled civic projects and prolonged administrative delays have prompted sharp criticism from a local legislator, who accused the Jharkhand Urban Development Department of turning Jamshedpur’s development plans into a “graveyard of pending schemes.” Despite the availability of funds, the MLA said several crucial projects related to water supply, drainage and public infrastructure have been stuck for nearly eight months due to a lack of administrative approval.
“I told the Principal Secretary that it is unfortunate the department is sitting on these files. Jamshedpur’s development cannot be held hostage to bureaucratic apathy,” the MLA said after speaking to the official over phone.
He cited the Kadma Convention Centre as a key example, stating that although the structure was completed four years ago, it has remained non-functional. “The previous government arbitrarily altered the design and turned it into a matchbox structure,” he said, adding that despite repairs being recommended earlier this year, the project is still awaiting clearance. A similar situation exists with the new DM Library building in Sakchi, built four years ago at significant cost but still not operational.
The MLA also criticised the high water-connection charges imposed by the department, calling them unreasonable. Following pressure in the Assembly and meetings with a legislative committee, a departmental panel recommended reducing domestic connection fees to Rs 5,000–Rs 7,000 and offering free connections to families earning up to Rs 72,000 annually. “Despite submitting the report on 5 May 2025, the department has not issued a notification till date,” he said, adding that residents continue to pay inflated fees to TSUISL.
He further highlighted the severe waterlogging in Mango’s Deshbandhu Line area earlier this year. Although Mango Municipal Corporation submitted a fully funded proposal for a permanent solution, the department has allegedly kept it pending for eight months.
The MLA said the department appears more focused on “grand, publicity-driven schemes” than on core civic needs such as water supply, street lighting, sanitation and drainage. The Principal Secretary has reportedly assured him that pending Jamshedpur projects will be expedited.
