Activists from various tribal organisations took to the streets on Saturday morning to enforce an 18-hour bandh in Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi, protesting against the construction of a flyover ramp near the Sarna Sthal — a site considered sacred by tribal communities. Protestors were seen burning tyres and blocking roads, primarily on the city’s outskirts. The Ranchi-Lohardaga road was blocked near Titla Chowk, while demonstrators also gathered at Kanke Chowk and other key locations to enforce the shutdown. Road traffic in the city was visibly thinner in the morning compared to usual days, as the bandh call impacted daily movement.
The agitators are demanding the removal of a ramp being built in Siram Toli as part of the Siram Toli-Mecon Flyover project. The protestors argue that allowing regular vehicular movement near the site would not only disturb the spiritual sanctity of the place, but also cause crowding and obstruction in an already sensitive zone. They also warned that the flyover ramp would severely disrupt access to the Sarna Sthal during Sarhul — one of the most important tribal festivals — when thousands gather at the site.
Following the bandh call, sporadic disruptions were reported in various parts of the city, including Lowadih, Kanke, and Birsa Chowk, where protestors gathered to press their demand. Ranchi’s Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Rajeshwar Nath Alok said, “We received information about traffic congestion in Lowadih and Kanke areas. Efforts are being made to speak with them and clear the roads. A few people had also come near Birsa Chowk to facilitate the bandh — they too have been spoken to and removed from there. The overall situation is normal. Police administration is prepared, extra deputation has been made and patrolling is being done.”
On Friday evening, several tribal organisations had taken out a torchlight procession to mobilise public support for the bandh. They alleged that the government had overlooked their concerns regarding the project. In response, Ranchi police have deployed additional personnel and made elaborate security arrangements across the city. The administration has appealed for a peaceful protest and urged demonstrators not to cause public inconvenience. In a statement, the district administration said it had issued strict directives prohibiting any disruptions to traffic, educational institutions, dignitaries, or members of the public in the name of bandh or chakka jam.
The elevated road project — spanning 2.34 km, including a 132-metre stretch over a railway line — aims to ease traffic congestion by connecting Siram Toli to Mecon. The ₹340-crore project was launched in August 2022, officials said.
(With agency inputs)