Tribal organisations in Ranchi, Jharkhand, enforced an 18-hour bandh on Saturday, March 22, 2025, demanding the removal of a flyover ramp being built near the Sarna Sthal at Siram Toli. The ramp is part of the Siram Toli-Mecon Flyover project, a government initiative aimed at improving traffic congestion in the region. However, tribal protestors argue that the construction near the sacred Sarna Sthal undermines their religious beliefs and threatens their cultural heritage.

Details of the Bandh and Protest

The bandh began early in the morning, with protestors burning tyres and blocking key roads to press their demands. Major disruptions were reported in areas such as:

• Lowadih

• Kanke

• Birsa Chowk

Protestors gathered in these locations to enforce the shutdown, leading to thin road traffic across Ranchi. The Ranchi-Lohardaga road was blocked near Titla Chowk, while demonstrators also occupied strategic locations like Kanke Chowk and other key junctions, causing significant disruption to daily movement.

Tribal Sentiments and Concerns

The Sarna Sthal holds immense spiritual significance for tribal communities, particularly during Sarhul — one of the most important tribal festivals celebrated annually. Thousands gather at the Sarna Sthal during this time, making the site a focal point for cultural and spiritual observances.

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 during Sarhul celebrations. Many tribal organisations have raised concerns that the flyover ramp would severely impact the accessibility of devotees to the site during festival gatherings.

"The ramp will disturb the spiritual essence of the Sarna Sthal and make it difficult for our people to gather during Sarhul," said one of the protest leaders.

Security Measures and Police Deployment

In response to the bandh, the Ranchi police administration has intensified security across the city. Additional police personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.

Ranchi’s Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order), Rajeshwar Nath Alok, commented on the situation, stating:
"We received information about traffic congestion in Lowadih and Kanke areas. Efforts are being made to speak with the protestors and clear the roads. A few demonstrators 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."

Torchlight Procession and Mobilisation

On Friday evening, several tribal organisations took out a torchlight procession to mobilise public support for the bandh. Protestors carried torches through the streets, alleging that the state government had ignored their concerns regarding the flyover project. They emphasized that the flyover’s proximity to the Sarna Sthal violates their religious and cultural rights and have vowed to continue the agitation until their demands are met.

Government’s Stand on the Flyover Project

The Siram Toli-Mecon Flyover project, launched in August 2022, is a ₹340-crore project aimed at reducing traffic congestion by connecting Siram Toli to Mecon. The project spans 2.34 km and includes a 132-metre stretch over a railway line.

The government has justified the project as a crucial step in easing traffic flow and improving connectivity in Ranchi. However, tribal organisations claim that the flyover ramp near Sarna Sthal was planned without consulting local communities and ignores the sacred value of the site.

District Administration’s Appeal

The district administration has issued a public appeal urging the protestors to maintain peace and order. In an official statement, the administration stressed that:

• Public inconvenience should be avoided during protests.

• Traffic movement, educational institutions, and essential services should not be disrupted.

• Protestors should refrain from causing any damage to public property or blocking roads.

Legal Ramifications and Possible Court Challenge

Legal experts suggest that if the government and tribal organisations fail to reach a consensus, the matter may head to the courts. Public interest litigations (PILs) may be filed challenging the legality of the flyover project near a sacred tribal site.

A senior advocate mentioned, "If the project violates tribal rights or constitutional provisions safeguarding cultural heritage, the matter can be challenged in court. The government will need to demonstrate that due consultation was conducted with local communities before approving the project."

Voices of the Local Community

Local residents have expressed mixed opinions on the ongoing situation. While many support the bandh and protest to protect tribal heritage, others are concerned about the economic impact caused by the blockade.

"The Sarna Sthal is a sacred place, and its sanctity must be preserved. But we also need to ensure that development projects do not come to a halt," said a resident of Lowadih.

Future Course of Action

With the bandh gaining momentum and tribal groups showing no signs of backing down, the state administration faces a tough challenge ahead. Dialogue between tribal leaders and government officials is expected to take place in the coming days to address the concerns raised by the community.

Conclusion

The Ranchi bandh over the flyover ramp near Sarna Sthal has brought tribal concerns and heritage preservation to the forefront. While tribal communities demand the removal of the flyover ramp to protect their sacred site, the government maintains that the project is vital for improving traffic flow. As tensions continue to escalate, the future of the Siram Toli-Mecon Flyover project remains uncertain, with the possibility of legal intervention looming over the issue.

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