HEC Bypass Encroachment Drive Sparks Protest, Long Traffic Jam from Birsa Chowk to Ghoda Chowk

Tension prevailed on the HEC Bypass Road in Ranchi after an administrative team arrived with a JCB to remove alleged encroachments along the roadside. As news of the demolition drive spread, local residents gathered at the spot and strongly opposed the action, eventually spilling onto the road and disrupting traffic.

The protest led to a major traffic snarl, with vehicles stuck in long queues stretching from Birsa Chowk towards Ghoda Chowk. Traffic movement on the Birsa Chowk-Harmu route was also affected, while vehicles came to a standstill around the petrol pump near DPS School.

The administration had reportedly reached the HEC Bypass stretch between Birsa Chowk and Sail Satellite Chowk to remove houses constructed along the roadside. JCB machines and other equipment were deployed for the proposed drive. However, residents began demanding that the action be stopped as soon as the team arrived.

Residents seek rehabilitation before eviction

People opposing the drive said they had been living in the area for several years and questioned where they would go if their homes were demolished. They demanded that the government first make arrangements for their rehabilitation before carrying out any eviction or demolition.

More than 20 houses are reportedly located along the roadside. Several families living there depend on small businesses such as eateries, grocery shops and other local establishments for their livelihood.

Residents said the proposed action could therefore affect not only their homes but also their sources of income. They appealed to the administration to consider their situation and provide an alternative arrangement before proceeding with the encroachment removal.

Police deployed as standoff continues

Additional police personnel have been deployed at the spot to prevent the situation from escalating. Administrative officials and the demolition team also remain present as residents continue to oppose the action.

The immediate standoff has put the administration's encroachment-removal plan and the residents' rehabilitation demand at the centre of the dispute. With protesters refusing to move without assurances on rehabilitation, traffic movement in the area remains severely affected.