Jharkhand High Court Directs State To Complete Jonha Waterfall Approach Road Within 6 Months, Cites Letter By Villagers Flagging Issues

The Jharkhand High Court has directed the State Government to complete the strengthening, widening and metal paving of the approach road to Jonha Waterfall within six months, while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation initiated on the basis of a letter sent by a villager highlighting the miserable condition of the road.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar passed the direction after noting that the only obstacle cited by the State (the absence of a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Railways) had been resolved.

The matter was registered as a suo motu PIL after the Court received a letter from Dr. Devendra Mahato on September 4, 2025. The letter stated that the connecting road from Koynardih village to the Jonha Waterfall Road had remained in a deplorable condition for over 15 years. It said the road served more than 15 villages and around 20,000 people, while also providing access to Jonha Bazaar, schools, hospitals and Ranchi city. The letter further stated that tourism had suffered because of the poor condition of the road and that some villagers had boycotted the previous parliamentary election out of frustration.

During the proceedings, the State informed the Court that it was willing to widen the existing kutcha road from five metres to eight metres and convert it into a metal paved road, but required an NOC from the Railways.

The Court noted that the Divisional Railway Manager (Engineering), South Eastern Railway, had subsequently issued a communication dated July 1, 2026 granting the necessary permission. The Bench recorded that the communication would constitute the requisite NOC authorising the State Government to proceed with the road-strengthening, widening and paving work.

Taking note of this development, the Court directed the State to commence the work immediately and complete it within six months. The Bench observed that the road's poor condition, its importance to nearly 20,000 residents across about 15 villages, and the inconvenience caused to tourists visiting Jonha Waterfall were not disputed by any party.

The Court further observed that the villagers had repeatedly approached public authorities seeking improvement of the road before ultimately writing to the High Court. Holding the State to its statement that it was prepared to execute the project once the Railway NOC was received, the Court said there should be no further delay in undertaking the work.

The Bench also made the Secretary, Rural Works Department, Government of Jharkhand personally responsible for ensuring that the project is commenced and completed within six months. While the Secretary was given liberty to assign the work to subordinate officers, the Court clarified that the ultimate responsibility would remain with the Secretary.

Before disposing of the PIL, the Court recorded its appreciation for the assistance rendered by counsel appearing for the parties. It directed that the matter be listed on January 21, 2027 to consider the compliance report.

Title: Court on its Own Motion v. State of Jharkhand and Ors.

Case No.: W.P. (PIL) No. 5065 of 2025.

Appearance: Mr. Vibhor Mayank appeared for the State. ASGI Mr. Prashant Pallav appeared for the Union of India.

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