Ranchi Ward 10: Water Crisis, Flooding, and Safety Concerns Plague Residents

Ranchi: Ward 10 in Ranchi city presents a striking urban paradox — the same neighbourhoods that struggle for drinking water during peak summer months are routinely submerged during the monsoon. During the monsoon season, the ward often experiences deadly water-borne diseases. A growing student population also raises urgent concerns over safety in poorly lit streets across the ward. Residents say fragile drainage systems, inconsistent civic services and the absence of surveillance infrastructure have turned seasonal shifts into recurring crises.

According to the 2011 census, Ward 10 has a population of 26,806 people, including 13,380 women and 13,425 men. Despite this high density, locals argue that civic planning has failed to match ground realities.


“In summer, taps run dry for days, and people depend on tankers. When it rains, drains overflow and water enters houses. There is no long-term solution, only temporary fixes,” rued Sunita Devi, a resident of Sarhul Nagar.

Waterlogging remains a persistent problem across low-lying pockets, with clogged and broken drains worsening conditions during even moderate rainfall. Residents complain that sanitation drives slow down once the rains begin. “Dirty water stays stagnant for days. Mosquitoes breed, and fogging is rarely done,” Ramesh Mahto of the Dhobi Ghat area complained.

Street lighting and security have also emerged as major concerns, particularly because Ward 10 hosts a large number of students living in rented accommodations across Kokar and Lalpur areas.

Several internal lanes remain dimly lit or completely dark after sunset. “Parents worry when students return late from their coaching classes or libraries. Darkness makes these lanes unsafe,” said Anjali Verma, a college student living in the Lower Burdwan Compound.

Former ward councillor Arjun Kumar Yadav underlined the need for surveillance. “CCTV cameras are a must for Ward 10. Many students live here away from their homes, and they need protection. Security in inner lanes is extremely important, especially at night,” he said. Yadav added that street lights and coordinated monitoring could significantly reduce incidents of theft and harassment.

Residents also flagged the lack of regular fogging and delayed maintenance of basic infrastructure. “Complaints are made, but follow-up action is weak,” said Mohammad Salim, a shopkeeper near the distillery area.