Ranchi: The proposed construction of RIMS-2 has sparked growing opposition shortly after the project’s foundation-laying ceremony. Local villagers and families facing displacement have begun protesting against the project, claiming that the land earmarked for the new medical facility is agricultural land that serves as their primary source of livelihood.
The protesters argue that their lands are being repeatedly acquired in the name of development projects, leaving them with limited means to sustain their families. They contend that for tribal communities, identity and survival are closely linked to jal, jungle, and zameen (water, forests, and land), and that the continued loss of land threatens both their livelihood and cultural roots.
Former Jharkhand minister Geeta Shree Oraon has also raised concerns over the selection of land in the Nagri area for the project. She questioned why Nagri continues to be chosen for major development initiatives when other locations in the state have sufficient land available. Oraon urged the government to take the concerns of local residents seriously and work toward a fair and acceptable resolution.
While the RIMS-2 project is considered a significant step toward expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving medical services in Jharkhand, issues related to land acquisition and displacement have pushed the project into the center of controversy. For now, local residents remain firm in their opposition and continue to demand protection of their land and livelihoods.