Over Rs. 21000 crore worth of projects in Jharkhand, including roads, irrigation, and building constructions, remain stalled due to land disputes and delays in obtaining necessary NOCs. Key projects in 14 districts, like irrigation plans worth Rs. 16,922 crore and roadworks worth Rs. 3,643 crore, are hindered, impacting development in areas like Palamu, Hazaribagh, and Simdega.
- Rs. 16922 crore irrigation and Rs. 3643 crore road construction projects stalled
- Land disputes and NOCs from departments causing delays
- Over 21,000 crore worth of projects halted across multiple sectors
In Jharkhand, many projects are stuck on paper due to land disputes and lack of necessary NOCs from various departments. Construction work for roads, irrigation, and buildings worth over Rs. 21,000 crore is delayed. Land disputes have halted roadwork in almost every district.
Irrigation Projects Delayed Due to Land Issues
In districts like Palamu, East-West Singhbhum, and Jamtara, irrigation projects are at a standstill. The absence of land for building projects and special division work has led to delays. Irrigation projects worth Rs. 16922 crore are delayed in 14 districts. Similarly, road construction worth Rs. 3643 crore is yet to begin, and several building projects, including a Rs. 300 crore one, are stuck due to the same reasons.
Lack of NOCs from Forest Department Halting Progress
Mahendra Ram, Executive Engineer (EE) from Palamu, said that letters have been sent to the CO (Circle Officer) asking for land to be made available for the projects, but they have yet to receive any response. In Hazaribagh, NHAI engineers are awaiting the NOC from the Forest Department to proceed.
Golden Opportunity Project Stuck Despite Rs. 7133 Crore Spent
The Swarnrekha project, which started in 1982-83 with a budget of Rs. 129 crore, has already cost Rs. 7,133 crore, with an estimated final cost of Rs. 14,950 crore. Similarly, the Mandal Dam project in Palamu, started in 1972, was halted after a Naxal attack in 1993. Although PM Modi laid the foundation online in 2019, no progress has been made. A budget of Rs. 30 crore was initially allocated, but costs have now risen to Rs. 1,622 crore.
Protests and Project Closures in Palamu
In Palamu, due to strong local opposition, irrigation projects were closed. The Auranga Dam project, initiated in 1977-78, was supposed to affect 35 villages but was stalled due to protests. Prominent figures like Sundarlal Bahuguna and Baba Amte also supported the cause. Similarly, other projects like Batane and Tehle have also met the same fate.
Road Projects Delayed in 9 Districts
In 9 districts, work on 23 major roads has been delayed. In Khunti, the online foundation stone for a four-lane bypass road worth Rs. 2,048 crore was laid on 10th March 2023, but work hasn’t started due to land issues. In Hazaribagh, a ring road project that has been pending for 20 years is yet to be completed, with costs soaring from Rs. 52 crore to Rs. 700 crore. Other road projects in areas like Dhanua Valley are stuck due to lack of alignment and NOC from the Forest Department.
Tourism and Infrastructure Projects Stalled
Several tourism and infrastructure projects are also delayed. In Khunti, work on the Birsa Munda Tourist Circuit and a library, worth Rs. 49 crore, hasn’t started. In Palamu, the construction of Tehsil Courts and Health Sub-centers, each costing Rs. 50 lakh, is pending. Similarly, Hazaribagh’s plan to build Nagwa Airport worth Rs. 194 crore has been stuck even after three foundation stone ceremonies.
