Jharkhand’s major agricultural hub, Pandra Mandi, is facing serious neglect, prompting the Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce to step in. Led by Chamber President Aditya Malhotra, a delegation inspected the mandi and met with local traders to understand the challenges.
During the visit, the team observed encroachments, garbage accumulation, waterlogging, broken drainage systems, and the absence of CCTV cameras. Traders also highlighted that security guards have not been available for the past six months, leading to recurring theft and snatching incidents.
Sanjay Mahuri, President of the Ranchi Chamber and representative of Pandra Mandi traders, said the mandi lacks basic facilities such as drinking water and functional streetlights. “After 6 PM, the entire market area is plunged in darkness. During the rains, broken roads make it extremely difficult for people to move around,” he said. Despite repeated complaints to the market committee secretary, no action has been taken. Many warehouses and shops are crumbling, and traders who wish to repair them themselves are prevented by the committee.
Chamber President Aditya Malhotra assured traders that the Chamber will actively work to resolve these issues. Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support he received during the Chamber elections, he confirmed that the delegation will meet the state Agriculture Minister on Saturday to present the concerns, and if possible, arrange a ministerial visit to the mandi.
Chamber Secretary Rohit Agrawal described the situation as alarming for a mandi of such importance. He said the Chamber will ensure action at every level to develop Pandra Mandi into a model market. Following the suggestion of Joint Secretary Rohit Poddar, a WhatsApp group has been formed including Chamber and Ranchi Chamber members to monitor and coordinate solutions on a priority basis.
The meeting was attended by Chamber Vice President Praveen Lohia, Joint Secretary Navjot Alang, Rohit Poddar, Treasurer Anil Agrawal, Executive Committee members Pooja Dhadha and Vikas Modi, Ranchi Chamber President Sanjay Mahuri, President of Potato and Onion Wholesalers Association Madan Sahu, and several local traders.
Pandra Mandi: Vital Yet Overlooked
Despite being a lifeline for Jharkhand’s agricultural trade and supplying the capital city, Pandra Mandi continues to suffer from basic infrastructural neglect. The pressing question remains whether state authorities and the market committee will work together to restore the mandi to its rightful status.
