Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Bulldozers Begin Ranchi Encroachment Drive Amid Protests Over Evictions
Officials in Ranchi began removing buildings they say were constructed illegally on government land.
The land belongs to the Railways and the Heavy Engineering Corporation.
Bulldozers and police were sent to the area.
Many residents protested because their homes could be demolished.
They said they had lived there for years.
Residents also said they were not given clear plans for new homes.
Officials told people to remove their own belongings and structures first.
The administration said the operation followed established procedures and would continue.
Ranchi authorities launched an anti-encroachment drive on Tuesday targeting constructions on Railway and HEC land.
Several JCB machines and a heavy police presence were deployed during the operation.
Hundreds of residents protested, saying evictions threatened their homes and livelihoods.
Residents alleged that authorities had not provided clear rehabilitation or alternative accommodation plans.
Officials said the drive followed prescribed procedures and would continue with magistrates and police deployed.
- Who
- The Ranchi district administration, affected residents, police, magistrates, the Railways and the Heavy Engineering Corporation.
- What
- Authorities launched an anti-encroachment operation to remove structures from Railway and HEC land.
- When
- Tuesday, beginning early in the morning.
- Where
- Ranchi, in areas containing disputed Railway and Heavy Engineering Corporation land.
- Why
- The administration said it was reclaiming government land and removing illegal encroachments.
Residents’ concerns
Administration’s position
Evictions and rehabilitation
Residents’ concerns
Residents said the action placed their homes and livelihoods at risk and alleged that adequate rehabilitation or alternative accommodation had not been arranged.
Administration’s position
The administration said it was following prescribed procedures to reclaim government land and instructed occupants to remove structures voluntarily before demolition.
Information and timing
Residents’ concerns
Protesters said they had lived in the area for years and had not received clear information about rehabilitation before being asked to leave.
Administration’s position
Officials used loudspeakers to announce the operation and warned that remaining structures would be removed with earthmovers.
Public order
Residents’ concerns
Hundreds of women, men and children demonstrated, while many families moved their belongings and tension persisted.
Administration’s position
Authorities deployed police and magistrates at sensitive locations to maintain law and order and prevent untoward incidents.
- Operation
- Anti-encroachment drive
- Targeted land
- Land belonging to the Railways and Heavy Engineering Corporation
- Equipment
- Several JCB machines and earthmovers
- Public response
- Hundreds of affected residents protested
- Main grievance
- Residents said rehabilitation arrangements and alternative accommodation were unclear or inadequate
- Security
- Magistrates and additional police personnel were deployed
- Status
- The administration said the drive would continue