Chief minister Hemant Soren laid the foundation stone for a slew of urban projects, worth over Rs 84 crore, for various wards of Ranchi on Saturday, directing officials to ensure their timely completion to provide the state capital with a much-needed facelift.

As many as 45 projects, across the length and breadth of the capital, covering both Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) and Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA) limits, will now be initiated. These include lanes, drains, beautification of some roundabouts and installation of street lights, among others.

The projects also include renovation of some of the historical and landmark sites of the capital. For instance, Ranchi Lake (Bada Talab) will be cleaned up and beautified, the dilapidated Jaipal Singh Stadium in the heart of the city in Kutchery will be given a facelift, the Rock Garden at Kanke Road will be renovated with a new entrance and Morabadi ground will be equipped with a new sound system.

Hemant appealed to residents to keep the city neat and clean and act as gatekeepers of society by highlighting wrongs.

“Ranchi being the capital of the state must look like one. My government is working towards this mission so that people coming to this city are in awe of the place. At the same time, residents here will have access to proper facilities,” he said.

The CM with other dignitaries light the ceremonial lamp during the foundation stone laying ceremony of slew of urban projects in Ranchi on Friday. The Telegraph picture

“Earlier, this place used to be the summer capital because of its pleasant weather, and greenery. Over the years, it has lost that identity. Everyone must work together to restore the city’s green lungs by planting saplings wherever they can. I have already directed officials to do so on all empty government land,” he said.

Hemant spoke of how unplanned development, coupled with increasing population, had led to urban chaos. "Many localities are such that even two-wheelers can’t enter, let alone an ambulance," he said and appealed to owners of plots in the city to voluntarily part with at least 5 ft space (gift deed) to the government so that such problems can be addressed.

Friday's function was held at Jaipal Singh Stadium. Among the others present were MLAs C.P. Singh (Ranchi), Naveen Jaiswal (Hatia) and officials of the state urban development department, RMC and RRDA.