Tribal activists took to the streets of Jharkhand’s capital, Ranchi, on Saturday morning, enforcing an 18-hour bandh to protest the construction of a flyover ramp near the Sarna Sthal, a revered tribal religious site in Siram Toli. The demonstration saw protestors burning tyres and blocking key roads, particularly on the city’s outskirts, disrupting normal traffic flow.

Major thoroughfares like the Ranchi-Lohardaga road near Titla Chowk and areas around Kanke Chowk bore the brunt of the agitation, with fewer vehicles visible compared to typical days. The tribal groups demand the removal of the flyover ramp, arguing it hampers access to the Sarna Sthal and threatens its sanctity due to anticipated traffic congestion. They highlighted that during Sarhul, a major tribal festival, thousands gather at the site, and the ramp would severely restrict movement.

The protest follows a torchlight procession held by several tribal organizations on Friday evening to rally public support. Activists accuse the state government of disregarding their repeated pleas. The 2.34-km elevated road project, costing Rs 340 crore and launched in August 2022, aims to ease traffic by linking Siram Toli to Mecon, featuring a 132-metre section over a railway line.

In response, Ranchi police have deployed extensive security measures, with the district administration urging peaceful protests. Authorities have warned against disruptions to traffic, students, or the public, emphasizing order amid the bandh. The standoff underscores a clash between infrastructure development and cultural preservation, with tribal communities vowing to escalate their agitation if demands remain unmet.