LAGATAR24 NETWORK
Ranchi, 22 April: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda has criticised the decision of the state government to construct a five-storied building at the Sarna Puja Sthal in Siramtoli, Ranchi. He has supported his criticism by saying that it is not a part of the tribal culture to stay in buildings but with nature.
In a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, he said that the Sarna Puja Sthal in MS Khatian Plot No. 1096 is under the ownership of Late Mangal Pahan. “The Welfare Department has neither sought any permission from the actual owners of this site nor has it informed them in advance about the proposed construction at the site,” he said.
Munda added that this is being done under the guise of promoting tribal culture.
“It is unfortunate that the state government is trying to promote tribal culture by constructing a building at the place of tribal worship. Whereas the true analogy of tribal culture is through the concept of living with harmony in nature,” he said.
He added that the welfare department can promote and preserve the tribal culture by planting Sal and other trees and by building eco-friendly huts and sheds.
“If the state government wants to construct a Sarna Bhavan, they can choose other prominent places in the city. I request that Sarna sthal should be left as a place of worship. In addition, a Tribal Museum cum Center for Tribal Art and Culture can also be set up,” he added.
