Ranchi: More than 200 people, who became homeless after a recent eviction drive on HEC land in Dhurwa’s Sector 2, continue to live under makeshift tarpaulin shelters, struggling for food, dry clothes and basic amenities.Around 40 houses were demolished over two days during the drive, forcing families to salvage whatever they could and move their belongings to the roadside. Residents said four days of continuous rain worsened their condition, soaking clothes, bedding, documents and household items. The rain subsided on Sunday, but the families said they had little relief.“We have nowhere to go. Everything we owned is lying outside. The rain damaged our clothes, documents and utensils. We are surviving under plastic sheets,” said Sita Devi, an affected resident.Many displaced families said their livelihoods had also been hit as they were unable to leave their belongings unattended and go to work.“People are worried about feeding their families. Work has stopped for many because they cannot leave their belongings behind,” said Ramesh Kumar, another resident.Ward 41 councillor Nilam Chaudhary said the situation required urgent humanitarian intervention. “Around 200 to 250 people are living in distress after the demolition. Many do not have proper rations, clothes or shelter. We will seek Jharkhand’s high court’s intervention and continue pursuing relief for the affected families,” she said.The high court has ordered a stay on further eviction. Ranchi mayor Roshni Khalkho had earlier written to the authorities, seeking a halt to the drive and reconsideration of the action.Displaced families said the stay had prevented further demolition but had not addressed the plight of those already evicted.“The court has stopped further demolition, but those whose houses have already been demolished are still living on the roadside. We need a solution, not just a stay order,” said Rajesh Kumar, another affected resident.
