Ranchi: The state capital’s long-pending Urban Haat project has returned to policy discussions after the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) urged authorities to create a dedicated marketplace for artisans, rural producers and small entrepreneurs across the state.
Construction of the Urban Haat project Kanke near Ranchi. Photo By-Mahadeo Sen Construction of the Urban Haat project Kanke near Ranchi. Photo By-Mahadeo Sen
The renewed demand has once again drawn attention to the need for a permanent organised market in Ranchi, where local artisans and small traders can showcase and sell their products while also strengthening the rural economy.Chamber vice-president Praveen Lohiya on Thursday said that an Urban Haat could emerge as a major commercial and cultural centre for Jharkhand. “People from across the state can come to an Urban Haat market to sell traditional products, handicrafts and food items. It can generate business worth crores while giving local artisans a free platform to earn and grow,” he said.The demand has renewed focus on Ranchi’s stalled Urban Haat near Kanke Dam, envisioned in 2016 on the lines of Delhi Haat at an estimated cost of over 50 crores. The total project cost is estimated at around Rs 54 crore, with Rs 10 crore already utilised for the construction. Though the structure was built to promote local handicrafts and create a cultural-commercial hub, it remains unopened nearly a decade later.Ramesh Sao, a bamboo craft seller near Kanke Dam, said vendors in the area have faced repeated eviction drives without being offered a permanent marketplace. “We keep shifting from one stretch to another whenever eviction happens. A functional Urban Haat or vendor market would give us dignity, stability and regular customers,” he said.Ward councillor Nakul Tirkey said activating such spaces could also address the city’s growing encroachment concerns. “Kanke itself accommodates a large number of roadside vendors. If Urban Haat is not made operational immediately, at least a vendor market should be developed so the infrastructure already created is respected and vendors can shift to organised spaces,” he said.Sanjeev Kumar, town planner of Ranchi Municipal Corporation, did not respond to requests for comment.