The campaign began on October 3 after Ranchi resident and product designer Shailesh Krishna noticed trees along the proposed alignment marked with paint. The markings prompted concerns about potential tree loss, leading Krishna to suggest using art on the trees to represent their ecological and social value. The initiative has since developed into a broader effort to create a temporary civic space at the HEC grounds.
Hamari Ranchi said between 200 and 300 trees had been painted as part of the campaign. Krishna separately stated that about 1,978 trees had been marked along the proposed road alignment, while the wider impact could involve more than 7,000 trees if saplings and younger plantations in nearby areas are included. These figures are campaign claims and have not been independently established in the supplied material.
The dispute centres on how the project’s environmental impact is defined. Residents argue that the assessment should consider adjoining plantations, shade, habitat, drainage edges, access points and the wider public use of the grounds, rather than only trees directly within the construction line. The supplied report does not establish the final design, land requirement, tree-removal plan, mitigation measures or whether all required approvals have been issued.
The campaign has also expanded its focus to public-space access, particularly for children and community activities. Prerna, a Ranchi-born mental health professional, joined the initiative as gatherings broadened beyond tree painting. Drawing inspiration from Mumbai’s Save Aarey movement, Hamari Ranchi has submitted representations to government agencies and is exploring legal options while seeking project documents. The next stage is expected to involve scrutiny of the road alignment, permissions, official tree inventory and proposed safeguards. The relevant implementing agency, project cost and construction timeline remain unspecified in the supplied report.