Ranchi A journey from Summer Capital of Bihar to Regular Capital of Jharkhand

Everything comes with a cost, but while getting something at the cost of others we have to make sure that a proper balance must be maintained. In economic sense, we have to make sure that the trade-off between the two items should be justified. Economic development comes at the cost of environment This statement is generally true in almost all the context but we have to check how much environment is being sacrificed for the economic development. As diminishing marginal rate of substitution concept in economics suggests the level of environment to be sacrificed for additional unit of economic development should be reduced as the development progresses and after a certain limit, there should not be any compromises made from environment point of view. In context of Ranchi, this limit has arrived and measures must have to be taken in order to conserve the citys environment. Ranchi, a small town situated in the heart of Chotanagpur Plateau region at an altitude of 2140 feet above sea level was once considered as the summer capital of undivided Bihar. After the partition of the state in year 2000, Ranchi was made capital of the newly born state Jharkhand. Ranchi is well known for its scenic attractions, waterfalls, barren rocks and hillocks. General Information:
Altitude: 2140 ft Area: 35 Sq.kms Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg C: Summer - 43/27 Winter - 20/5 Rainfall: 1530 mm annually. Language: Hindi, Nagpuria, Oraon, Mundari and Bengali. Population: 11.5 Lakhs (2011)

Ranchi has a humid subtropical climate. However, due to its position and the forests around the city, it is known for its pleasant climate. Its climate is the primary reason why Ranchi was once the summer capital of the undivided State of Bihar. There was a common saying in Ranchi If you are feeling hot this afternoon that means you will experience rain showers by evening and it will make the rest of the day pleasant. However the climate of Ranchi has changed drastically during last decade which is an outcome of the industrial and economic development of the town after becoming the capital of Jharkhand. Please have a look at the below table that provide a comparative data about Ranchis temperature:
Mean Temperature (1951-2000) Deg C Max Min 37 23 Mean Temperature (2011) Deg C Max Min 41 22 27 8

Month / Season May (Summer)

December (Winter) 23 10 Source : India Meteorological Department (http://www.imd.gov.in)

The temperature range of Ranchi has stretched from both ends. Summers becoming hotter and hotter and winters are colder than ever. In 2011, Both Maximum and Minimum mean temperatures of Ranchi

in summer has raised about 4 C while in winter season they are 2 C lower than that average temperatures of last 40 years. Ranchi has experienced a sudden population burst and a series of newly set up industries during last decade. After the formation of Jharkhand, Ranchi became the capital of the state and various new opportunities were created in the town. People from Bihar and nearby districts immigrated to Ranchi to capitalize on these opportunities. As a result Ranchis population increased from 8 Lakhs in 2001 to 11.5 Lakhs in 2011 (Source: Census India). The small town was not really ready for this enormous increase in population. Suddenly more and more vehicles started running on narrow roads of Ranchi resulting in increased level of air pollution inside the city. New colonies, shopping complex, malls, etc. are being developed to accommodate new arrivals and this follows contraction of open areas within the city and reduction in nearby agricultural lands. The main reason for the formation of Jharkhand was to give the state a fast economic and industrial growth. As a result, various industries were encouraged to set up in the surrounding area of Ranchi at the cost of forest cover. A steep rise in brick kilns has been observed in the surrounding area of Ranchi to meet up the demands coming from the flourishing building and construction industries. Smoke and fumes emitted from brick kilns, factories, vehicles and electric generators produce greater quantities of carbon dioxide and black carbon in the atmosphere of Ranchi. The increased level of air pollution along with deforestation has put a drastic effect on Ranchis environment. Ranchi has lost its charm of summer capital and its climate is becoming as bad as or even worse than the neighboring towns. This issue is now being addressed by the government and some active NGOs. Some of the rectifying steps are being taken so that the situation can be restored before it becomes too late. An organization Ecosensorium (http://www.ecosensorium.org) run by Dr. M P Mishra (a well known environmentalist, science journalist and educationist of India) is doing a series of activities in this regard. Govt. of Jharkhand too has a dedicated department of Forest and Environment having a mission to safeguard forest resources and enrich biodiversity for the benefit of the people and their environment as a whole. Some of the major achievements of the department in Ranchi city are Construction of 'Nakshtra Van' and 'Sidhu Kanhu Park' in Ranchi. Arboretum in 5 ha area is being established in the research nursery at Ranchi. Under urban forestry 83,444 gabion plantations has been done. Approximately 2,50,000 root trainer plants are being produced from Ranchi Research Nursery every year. No. of saplings planted - 21.03 crores.
(Source: Department records)