
Ranchi: Opposition to the proposed RIMS-2 project is intensifying, with local residents and displaced families raising strong objections over the land selected for the new medical institution. The controversy gained momentum soon after the project's groundbreaking ceremony, as villagers alleged that the site earmarked for construction comprises fertile agricultural land on which their livelihoods depend.
Residents opposing the project said that repeated land acquisitions for various development initiatives have already affected their economic security. They argued that farming remains their primary source of income and that losing more land would further jeopardize their future. Members of the tribal community also emphasized that their connection to land, forests, and natural resources is an integral part of their identity and way of life.
Adding weight to the protests, former Jharkhand minister Geeta Shree Oraon questioned the government's decision to once again choose land in the Nagri region for a major project. She stated that alternative locations with adequate land are available elsewhere in the state and called on the government to reconsider the decision while addressing the concerns of affected families.
The RIMS-2 project is being viewed as a major initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding medical services in Jharkhand. However, the dispute over land acquisition and the possibility of displacement has emerged as a significant challenge. As of now, local residents continue their protest, demanding that their land rights and livelihoods be protected before the project moves forward.