Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Ranchi District Collectorate, located on Kutchery Road, presents a dismal picture of negligence and decay. Thousands visit the office every day for official work, but what they encounter resembles more of a dumping ground than a functioning government complex.
Filth, Spit-Stained Corners and Lawlessness
Outside the main gate, illegal occupants freely hurl abuses. Inside, every corner is smeared with paan and gutkha stains — even the water purifier has been reduced to a spittoon. The ground floor of Block-A is littered with trash, while Block-B’s upper floors are stacked with heaps of scrap. Stray dogs have made the premises their home.
12 of 16 Lifts Non-Functional, People Forced to Take Stairs
Of the 16 lifts installed across Block-A and Block-B, only four in Block-A and one in Block-B are functional. Worse, the working lifts are reportedly reserved for officials. Common people — including the elderly and differently-abled — are forced to use stairs, putting their safety at risk. Fear of getting stuck deters even the most desperate from using the lone working lift in Block-B.
Public Toilets Shut, People Left With No Choice
Toilets meant for the public are either locked or in a deplorable condition. On Block-A’s ground floor, all toilets are closed citing maintenance. Block-B’s women’s toilet is also locked. Visitors are left with no option but to relieve themselves in open corners or pay Rs 5-10 to access a usable facility nearby.
Lift Access Only for Officials, Commoners Pushed Aside
Even when lifts are operational, they are off-limits to the public when an officer is around. People, including the elderly and disabled, are often forced to wait or take the stairs — highlighting the deep-rooted inequality in public service spaces.
When Will the District Administration Wake Up?
This utter neglect by the district administration raises serious questions about accountability. How long must citizens suffer due to filthy surroundings, broken infrastructure, and lack of basic amenities like toilets? The Collectorate — the administrative heart of the district — has become symbolic of the systemic rot plaguing public institutions.
