Ranchi: The construction of a boundary wall on the second campus of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) commenced on Thursday in the Kanke area of the city, amid protests from villagers over land acquisition for the hospital.
A section of residents in the Nagri area have been opposing the construction for over a year, claiming ownership of the land and demanding due compensation. They allege the government of illegally acquiring their rights.
The construction work resumed with the deployment of security personnel to manage any untoward situation. Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri stated, “There was sufficient deployment of personnel. There was not much opposition except from a group of 30-40 people. All land owners whose land was acquired have already been compensated. The district administration has records of the paid compensation. Additionally, as per a recent High Court ruling on illegal encroachment around RIMS, once land is acquired by the state, it becomes state property.”
The DC further added that the district administration will conduct a survey in the village to assess the education and skill levels of the residents. “Based on that, job opportunities will be provided to the youth of the villagers’ families once the hospital is completed. A similar survey on infrastructural gaps in the villages will be conducted, and all gaps will be addressed,” he said.
The health department has allotted 207 acres of land for the Rs 1,074 crore RIMS-2 project. It will feature a 700-bed hospital, with 200 to 250 beds dedicated to super specialty care.
