UditVani, Jamshedpur: A delegation of the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its president Manav Kedia, met East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi and drew his attention to a range of pressing civic issues affecting the city.
The team highlighted growing traffic congestion, street encroachments, lack of public conveniences, and inadequate infrastructure in Sakchi and Jugsalai, urging prompt administrative action.
The delegation included General Secretary Puneet Kauntia, Vice President Anil Modi, Secretary Bharat Makani and Treasurer CA Anil Ringsia.
They submitted a detailed list of concerns, with the major points as follows:
1. Street Encroachment in Sakchi Market
The Chamber pointed out rampant encroachment from Gate No. 1 (near the petrol pump) up to Bata Chowk, Jhanda Chowk and Dalda Line where roadside vendors occupy large portions of the road, narrowing the carriageway and creating severe crowding. They warned that such congestion could hamper the movement of fire engines during emergencies. The delegation demanded immediate removal of encroachments and installation of high-mast lighting inside the market.
2. Increasing Traffic Congestion Across the City
Members highlighted the frequent traffic snarls on major roads, which often delay emergency movement and cause severe inconvenience to commuters. Citing rising population and vehicular load, they urged the administration to consider flyovers as a long-term solution. They also requested the deployment of traffic police at the JUSCO roundabout during school closing hours to prevent daily jams.
3. Encroachment by Street Vendors and Auto-Rickshaw Operators
The Chamber noted that illegal setups by hawkers, food carts and the unregulated parking of autos are causing bottlenecks at several key intersections including:
* Gopal Maidan roundabout, Bistupur
* Voltas Building roundabout, Bistupur
* Sakchi Main Roundabout
* Sakchi Birsa Park roundabout (near Eye Hospital)
* Kalimati Road, where street-food vendors and haphazard parking create constant congestion
They urged strict enforcement to restore smooth movement.
4. Need for Public Toilets in Sakchi on PPP Mode
Given the high footfall, the Chamber requested the construction of two to three public toilets in Sakchi under PPP mode—particularly at the parking area adjacent to the market and another within the market zone.
5. Issues with Sakchi Parking Facility
The Basant Square parking area in Sakchi, they said, suffers from hawker encroachment, damaged concrete and potholes. Commuters find it difficult to park and walk safely. They also alleged that the JNAC parking contractor charges for two hours instead of the mandated 24-hour duration.
6. Violation of ‘No-Entry’ Rules on Bistupur Main Road
Despite 24-hour no-entry restrictions for heavy vehicles, the Chamber reported frequent violations, especially between 10 pm and 6 am, posing serious risks of accidents. They demanded strict enforcement of the rule.
7. Key Issues in Jugsalai
The delegation also raised multiple concerns specific to Jugsalai:
Parking: The area lacks any organised parking. They proposed using the vacant land near Jugsalai gate and petrol pump—currently under encroachment—for a municipal parking facility.
Fire Brigade Facility: With narrow lanes and dense population, absence of a fire station poses major risks. They demanded urgent establishment of a fire brigade unit in the locality.
Public Toilets: The overcrowded commercial market lacks proper toilet facilities, causing difficulties to shoppers and especially women workers in the shops. They sought immediate installation of public toilets.
Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed promptly.
He acknowledged the trade outfit delegation as a key stakeholder in the city’s development and said the administration would work collaboratively to strengthen civic management and improve urban systems.
