Residents Demand Alternative Location for Community Building to Preserve Hat Grounds
Residents of Gandanhiya village in Ghatsila block organized a meeting to protest against the proposed construction of a community building on the Gandanhiya Hat grounds, expressing their concerns to Zilla Parishad member Devyani Murmu and village head Manas Singh Hembram.
JAMSHEDPUR – Villagers in Gandanhiya, Ghatsila block, gathered to protest the proposed construction of a community building on the Gandanhiya Hat grounds, a site historically used for local markets since the time of the kings.
At a meeting attended by Zilla Parishad member Devyani Murmu and village head Manas Singh Hembram, residents voiced their opposition, arguing that the construction would reduce the space available for the weekly market, leading to congestion and a loss of livelihood for many.
The villagers clarified that they are not against the construction of the community building itself but insist that it be built on an alternative government land near the Hat grounds.
They accused some local individuals of conspiring with outsiders to disrupt the market’s existence and reported being threatened when they raised objections.
The villagers have previously submitted a written complaint to the Ghatsila Circle Officer, expressing their concerns.
Manas Singh Hembram emphasized that in the Fifth Schedule area, the land belongs to the people, and it is their democratic right to protest.
Devyani Murmu acknowledged that the Gandanhiya Hat grounds are crucial for the local economy, supporting thousands of livelihoods every Tuesday.
She criticized external contractors for attempting to divide the local community and promoting illegal activities over the past five years.
Murmu assured the villagers that she would inform the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) about the situation to find a solution for constructing the community building without disrupting the Hat grounds.
The protest meeting saw the presence of several local residents, including Basia Murmu, Shyam Murmu, Rameshwar Murmu, Mangal Murmu, Kanhai Murmu, Ramesh Tudu, Maheshwar Tudu, Sunaram Kisku, Sudhir Murmu, Mukandar Murmu, Jamadar Murmu, Uday Murmu, Sonot Murmu, Jayant Tudu, Narsingh Murmu, Prakash Murmu, Narsingh Tudu, Dhaniram Murmu, Bhado Mandi, Bapai Das, and Sharad Pal.
