As Jharkhand approaches its silver jubilee, the state stands at a critical juncture, torn between its founding ideals and the pressures of modern development. The long-cherished motto of "Jal, Jungle, Jameen"—water, forest, and land—remains central to its identity, but debates around land use and ownership are intensifying.
Real estate developers are advocating for reforms to existing land laws to permit the repurposing of agricultural land for residential and commercial use, arguing that this will unlock economic potential. On the other hand, tribal activists and environmentalists warn against policies that may erode indigenous rights and natural ecosystems. As its 25th anniversary nears, Jharkhand finds itself grappling with a fundamental question: how to balance progress with preservation.
Rana Rakesh, owner of Prayas Developers, said, “People are willing to invest and develop the state, but they are not finding land for residential or commercial development. Most of the land in Jharkhand is either agricultural land or comes under various state laws, which makes it impossible for development.”
He adds that areas, especially around 1 to 2 km on both internal and external sides of the ring road in Ranchi, have a huge scope for development. “Unfortunately, most land pieces in these areas are earmarked as agricultural land. If the inner ring road area is allotted for residential purposes and the outer area for commercial use, we can see quick and beneficial development.”
Rakesh also pointed out that a major reason behind the increasing cases of land fraud in Jharkhand is because of the faulty land policies. “Fraudsters sell disputed lands, causing trouble for investors and buyers. If there were ample land available, this wouldn’t be the case,” he said.
Architect Sujeet Bhagat, the President of the Licence Technical Person Association informs that according to the current law, one can only construct on 20% of the land if they buy an agriculture land and the building should not surpass ground plus two floors. This makes the land unfit for commercial or residential apartment development.
Prof. Anant Kumar of Xavier Institute of Social Service said, "Despite its rich mineral resources, Jharkhand has not kept pace with development. Allowing agricultural land near urban areas to be legally converted for commercial and residential purposes, the state can create well-planned cities with better roads, reliable water and electricity supply, and more job opportunities. The current outdated approach has led to unregulated and often illegal settlements, poor infrastructure, and a lack of planned development.”
On the other hand, the ‘Jharkhand Andolan’ activists claim that instead of creating a concrete jungle, it is time to focus on sustainable development.
Tribal activist Gladson Dungdung said, “When the world is moving towards a greener approach to living, how can we talk of concretization? The development should be to combat the climate crisis. The use of natural resources should be need-based, not greed-based,” he said.
Another activist, Dayamani Barla, said that it is time to redefine development. “Constructing buildings is not development. Development should be sustainable; it requires long-term planning.”
She said, “With a population of 3.5 crore and 79,714 sq km of land, Jharkhand needs careful planning to balance roads, dams, education hubs, and housing with protecting farmland and forests. Development must be inclusive and sustainable.”
Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, she added, “While cities ran out of oxygen, tribal areas saw fewer such deaths — because our forests protect us, and we protect them. Tribals aren’t against development; we support sustainable growth that safeguards the environment.”
Supporting the sentiments of tribals and domiciles, the state urban development minister, Sudivya Kumar, said that the people do not want land laws to change and the government will do what the people want. “Government is the reflection of public sentiments. The entire fight of Jharkhand is around jal, jungle, jameen. We cannot hurt the sentiments of people in the name of urban development. The master plan has a dedicated commercial area where buildings can be constructed. We are focused on a balanced development where the community and the environment both are protected,” he said.
Principal secretary of Urban Development and Housing Department, Sunil Kumar said, “The department will look into the matter and do what is in the favour of the state and its people.”