Ranchi: Harmu Housing Colony Faces Crackdown on Commercial Establishments

Ranchi, April 13: With eight enforcement teams surveying the area, officials maintain that the colony was always meant for residential use.

Official Stand

JSHB Secretary Binay Lakra reiterated: "All these properties were allotted and acquired for residential use. They are not commercial entities, so commercial setups cannot be permitted."

The Scale of Operations

Over 150 commercial units now function within the colony, including:

• Small grocery stores

• Pharmacies

• Clinics

Traders' Concerns

Manoj Sinha, a shopkeeper, said: "This is not something that started yesterday. Many of us have been operating shops here for 15-20 years. If it was illegal, why were we allowed to continue for so long?"

Neha Agarwal, who runs a stationery store, questioned: "We were given leases, electricity connections, and in many cases trade licences. Now suddenly we are being told to shut down. Where were the rules all these years?"

Residents' Perspective

Mukesh, a resident, said: "People depend on the local shops daily. Closing everything will not just affect traders but also residents."

Background

The colony has evolved into a self-sustained neighbourhood over the years, with commercial establishments operating for decades. Officials from the housing board noted that Harmu has more than 1,000 allotted properties under various housing schemes, but commercial use was never permitted under planning norms.