Seraikela-Kharsawan, Jharkhand – Shankar Singh, the traditional village head (Gram Pradhan) of Dobo, was arrested and placed under house arrest after protesting a program led by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Chandil. Singh voiced strong opposition to the event, claiming it violated local governance rules and raised environmental concerns due to the use of slag in the project.
The program, organized in Chandil in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, was met with resistance from Singh, who argued that the project did not have the mandatory approval of the local Gram Sabha (village council). He highlighted the negative impact the use of slag—a byproduct of industrial processes—could have on the environment and local farmlands.
“Without the Gram Sabha’s consent, this program is illegal,” Singh declared during his protest. He expressed serious concerns about the damage that slag could cause to agricultural land, potentially harming the livelihoods of local farmers. The material, often used in construction projects, has been criticized in various parts of India for causing soil contamination and other environmental issues.
Singh’s protest took place just a day before CM Hemant Soren’s scheduled event in Chandil. His opposition drew the attention of local authorities, who responded by arresting him and placing him under house arrest to prevent further disruptions to the program.
Why the Protest?
The protest stemmed from the village leader’s concern for both local governance and environmental protection. According to Singh, the use of slag in the project threatened the health of the village’s farmlands and ecosystem. He argued that decisions about such projects should involve the local Gram Sabha, in line with traditional governance practices.
The issue has sparked a debate about the use of industrial byproducts like slag in rural development projects and the need for community involvement in such decisions.
Local Reaction: The arrest of Shankar Singh has led to mixed reactions. While some villagers support his stance on protecting the environment and upholding local governance, others believe the protest was unnecessary and disruptive. A local villager, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We understand the concerns, but the project could also bring development to the area. There needs to be a balance.”
The state government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Singh’s arrest or the environmental concerns he raised.
As CM Hemant Soren’s program proceeds in Chandil, the arrest of Shankar Singh has brought attention to the ongoing debate about environmental protection, rural governance, and the role of traditional councils in modern development projects. Whether Singh’s concerns will lead to any changes in the project remains to be seen, but his protest has certainly sparked a wider discussion in the region.
News – Sanjana Kumari
