An analytical overview of governance, environment, development, and tribal identity in the state.
1. Hazaribagh Communal Tension: A Wake-up Call for Harmony
In late February, Dumroan village in Hazaribagh witnessed unrest between communities over religious preparations. The conflict stemmed from a disagreement related to Maha Shivaratri celebrations and loudspeaker installations. The confrontation escalated into stone pelting, arson, and public disorder.
Highlights:
- Protest began over flag placements and sound systems at Hindustan Chowk.
- The incident quickly turned violent, leading to injuries and property damage.
- Authorities emphasized peacekeeping and assured the public that those responsible will face legal action.
Legal Insight: The new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS Section 196) aims to tackle such communal incidents with stricter penalties.
2. Mega Projects Under DPIIT Scanner: Speeding Up Progress
The central government, through DPIIT, reviewed key infrastructure challenges in four states including Jharkhand. The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway project drew particular attention due to delays and implementation hurdles.
Key Points:
- 17 projects with cumulative cost exceeding ₹13,500 crore were reviewed.
- Emphasis on resolving roadblocks in highway development and new NITs in underrepresented areas.
- Officials highlighted the role of the Project Monitoring Group (PMG Portal) to track and troubleshoot projects more efficiently.
Strategic Importance: The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway will boost interstate trade and link eastern ports like Kolkata and Haldia more effectively.
3. Palamu Tiger’s Homecoming Plan
A tiger originally from Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) had strayed into Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, creating panic in adjoining villages. The state has initiated steps to safely tranquilize and relocate the animal back to its original territory.
Wildlife Alert:
- The tiger’s movement endangered lives in 86 nearby villages.
- It was struggling in unfamiliar terrain, facing starvation and isolation.
- NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India are involved in the rescue and rehabilitation effort.
Did You Know? PTR was the first reserve globally to conduct a tiger census using pugmark analysis.
4. Avian Flu Hits Ranchi’s Research Poultry
At Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi, an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu led to the culling of over 300 birds. The infection was confined to guinea fowls used for research.
Government Response:
- Sanitization of the affected zone.
- A 1 km containment and 10 km surveillance radius declared.
- Advisory issued banning poultry trade temporarily.
Note: The ICAR lab in Bhopal confirmed the presence of the virus, prompting swift containment steps under central directives.
5. Jal Jeevan Mission Faces Roadblocks in 8 Districts
The flagship Har Ghar Nal Jal campaign suffered setbacks in Jharkhand due to a funding halt from the Centre, leading to complete suspension in districts like Pakur, Dhanbad, Dumka, among others.
Status Check:
- Out of 62.5 lakh target households, only 54.6% have tap connections.
- ₹6,324 crore requested by the state for revival.
- Contractors stopped work due to unpaid dues.
Mission Goals:
- Deliver 55 liters per person per day to every rural home.
- Encourage community-led water management via local ‘Paani Samitis’.
6. Udhwa Lake Achieves Ramsar Status
A proud ecological milestone — Udhwa Lake in Sahebganj district has become the first Ramsar-recognized wetland in Jharkhand. This lake is now part of India’s growing list of internationally significant wetlands.
Ecological Importance:
- Recognized alongside sites from Tamil Nadu and Sikkim.
- Udhwa comprises Patauran and Berhale water bodies connected via channel.
- Bird sanctuary status since 1991, supporting migratory and local species.
Ramsar Fast Fact: India now ranks third globally in the number of Ramsar sites, with 89 wetlands listed.
7. Sarna Religion Code Movement Gathers Momentum
Scheduled Tribe organizations led by Rashtriya Adivasi Samnvay Samiti called for a nationwide protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the recognition of Sarna religion as a separate faith in the upcoming Census.
Cultural Assertion:
- Tribal communities from Jharkhand, Odisha, Bengal, and Chhattisgarh joined hands.
- In 2011, 4.9 lakh people had self-declared Sarna as their religion.
- Sarna beliefs center around nature worship, with no caste system or idol worship.
🌱 Unique Identity: Sarna devotees revere forests, water bodies, and land — aligning closely with indigenous ecological ethics.
8. PMAY Expansion: 4.19 Lakh Homes for Jharkhand
In a major boost to housing access, the central housing allotment under PMAY for Jharkhand was expanded from 1.13 lakh to 4.19 lakh beneficiaries.
Key Benefits:
- Rural households to receive ₹1.2 lakh subsidy, urban up to ₹2.67 lakh.
- Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) offers up to ₹2.5 lakh reduction in interest.
- Special focus on SC/ST/OBC and women-led households.
Housing for All: Despite missing the original 2022 deadline, the government now eyes December 2024 as the new target for universal housing.
Summary Table: February 2025 Snapshot
| Sector | Major Development |
|---|---|
| Communal Tensions | Hazaribagh violence during Maha Shivaratri prep |
| Infrastructure | Review of ₹13,500+ crore projects; expressway under lens |
| Wildlife | Tiger to be returned to Palamu from Dalma Sanctuary |
| Public Health | Bird flu outbreak at Ranchi’s BAU lab |
| Water Supply | JJM work halted due to pending central funds |
| Wetland Conservation | Udhwa Lake added to Ramsar List |
| Tribal Identity | Protests for Sarna religion recognition in Census |
| Housing | PMAY revised to benefit 4.19 lakh people in Jharkhand |
February 2025 shaped up as a month of complex challenges and substantial transitions in Jharkhand. From communal peace to infrastructure revival, and from tribal identity movements to green milestones, the state has witnessed moments of both tension and transformation. For aspirants preparing for JPSC, UPSC, or state PCS exams, these events provide rich factual material with deep analytical value.
Access All Monthly Jharkhand Current Affairs (Jan–June 2025) Here:
Complete Jharkhand Current Affairs Compilation – January to June 2025
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