Ranchi: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Thursday proposed setting up five to six new zonal offices, shifting two mini transfer stations (MTS), introducing a public-private partnership (PPP) model for maintaining public parks and developing multi-level commercial complexes in Daily Market, Upper Bazar, New Market and Bakri Bazaar.The proposals were discussed at the civic body’s third board meeting, along with several measures related to waste management, water supply and other civic services.The proposal for new zonal offices comes against the backdrop of Ranchi’s population increasing from around 2.55 lakh at the time of the corporation’s establishment to over 10.7 lakh, according to the 2011 Census. The RMC currently has only one zonal office in Doranda, apart from its headquarters. The proposed offices are aimed at ensuring faster grievance redressal and better implementation of government schemes.Mayor Roshni Khalkho told TOI that the corporation was also examining the PPP model for public parks to ensure their maintenance was carried out more regularly. The board also discussed the proposed market complexes as part of efforts to address infrastructure requirements in the city’s major commercial areas.The board approved a proposal to shift the materials and operations associated with the Jagannathpur MTS. The Jail More MTS has also been proposed for relocation to an area outside the city.Regarding water services, the RMC discussed changes to the existing online water-connection process so that applicants would pay the connection fee only after their applications were approved. The board also considered increasing the ferrule-cleaning charge from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 and the water-connection mutation charge from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.The corporation also proposed a new five-year licensing framework for registered plumbers. Under the proposal, the registration and licence fee would be Rs 11,000, while the renewal fee for five years would be Rs 10,000.For handpump and leakage repairs, the RMC approved a proposal to purchase four Tata Ace vehicles at an estimated cost of around Rs 8 lakh. Officials said several vehicles currently used by repair teams were 10 to 15 years old and in poor condition.The board also discussed whether to retain or revise the designations of sanitation supervisors after objections were raised to the earlier decision to use the common designation “Swachhta Mitra”.Khalkho said councillors would submit ward-wise maps and proposals for civic infrastructure projects. Based on these submissions, 108 schemes estimated to cost around Rs 160 crore would be sent for consideration under the 16th Finance Commission.
