Ranchi, July 20: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Monday launched a major anti-encroachment drive around Morabadi Ground ahead of the upcoming Durand Cup, clearing long-standing illegal structures from government land to facilitate smooth traffic movement and improve amenities for thousands of football fans expected to attend the tournament.
The demolition drive was carried out in the northern part of Morabadi Ground under the supervision of Additional Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Kumar, who monitored the operation on the spot.
During the drive, encroachments were removed from government land along the Morabadi Main Road, including areas near Hotel Park Prime, TRI and Antu Chowk. The enforcement team demolished illegal constructions, barricades, unauthorised hoardings and advertisement boards, handcarts, bamboo structures, and six temporary shops and sheds.
Officials also demolished alleged illegal encroachment and tile flooring constructed by a local play school on government land. Following the demolition, bushes and debris were cleared to restore the area and prepare it for public use.
According to civic officials, the reclaimed land will be developed into a temporary parking facility for spectators visiting the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Football Stadium during the Durand Cup.
आज, होटल पार्क प्राइम, मोराबादी से टीआरआई, अंतु चौक तक मुख्य मार्ग से सटी सरकारी भूमि पर लंबे समय से किए गए अवैध अतिक्रमण के विरुद्ध रांची नगर निगम द्वारा सख्त कार्रवाई करते हुए अतिक्रमण हटाया गया। अभियान के दौरान अवैध कब्जों को हटाकर सरकारी भूमि को अतिक्रमण मुक्त कराया गया, pic.twitter.com/1pnGGsgHFD
— Ranchi Municipal Corporation (@rmccommissioner) July 20, 2026
“The encroachment-free government land will be developed as a temporary parking lot,” officials said, adding that the facility would help manage the heavy influx of spectators during the tournament.
“The parking facility will help reduce traffic congestion caused by the large number of spectators and sports fans visiting the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Football Stadium during the Durand Cup,” they added.
Issuing a stern warning against future violations, the civic body said it would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal occupation of government land.
“Encroachment on government land will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Additional Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said.
He further directed officials to keep the reclaimed land under constant surveillance.
“Officials have been directed to regularly monitor the area and take immediate legal action against anyone attempting to encroach again,” he said.
The anti-encroachment drive is part of the RMC’s preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the prestigious football tournament, with a focus on improving traffic management, parking facilities and public convenience around the Morabadi sports complex.