Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda has strongly objected to Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren’s move to erect a five-storied building at the Sarna Sthal (place of worship of the tribals) in the Siramtoli locality of state capital (Ranchi).
Though the proposed building aims at giving comfortable accommodation to visitors coming from far off places, Munda feels that this was against the religious sentiments and ethos of the tribals.
“The tribals have never identified themselves with high rise buildings. They worship nature and endorse ecological balance. They would be happier if some huts are built and few saal and other trees are planted at the Sarna Sthal. Let this building come up elsewhere,” suggested Munda in his letter to Soren
On April 7, Soren laid the foundation stone for beautification and development of Kendriya Sarna Sthal, involving expenses to the tune of Rs 4.98 crore. The state’s welfare department will be responsible for the smooth communication of the project.
The land where the proposed building is likely to come up belongs to late Mangal Pahan. His natural heirs are clueless about the latest moves of the Soren government.
Munda in his letter also advocated setting up a tribal museum and culture centre for preserving and enriching the heritage of tribals.
