Proposed DVC Hydel Project sparks outcry over threat to tribal religious site
Ranchi: The Santhal tribal community is gearing up for a significant public protest against the proposed 1500 MW Lugu Pahad Pumped Storage Project by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). The project threatens the sacred Luguburu mountain, which holds immense religious importance for the Santhal community.
In a press conference held at the press club, the General Secretary of the Santhal community Dishom Manjhi Pargana, Sona Ram Hembram, announced that on November 5, the Santhal community will conduct a large-scale public protest rally and demonstration against the project. They are demanding the cancellation of the proposed Hydel Pawer project, which encroaches upon their sacred land.
Luguburu Mountain, located in Bokaro, has been a religious and spiritual center for the Santhal tribes for centuries. Atop the mountain stands Lugubaba’s cave and sanctum sanctorum, attracting Santhal community members who visit annually to perform pujas and seek blessings.
Sona Ram Hembram explained that on Kartik Purnima, a two-day Mahakumbh (a significant religious gathering) of Santhals takes place at this sacred site, drawing thousands of participants from the Santhal community. During this event, they perform rituals, prayers, and seek blessings, and it also serves as a forum for the Sarna tribal religion conference. The mountain is believed to hold inscriptions of the Santhals’ rules, customs, and rituals from birth to death.
The Santhal community is vehemently opposing the proposed 1500 MW Lugupahar Pump Storage Project by the Damodar Valley Corporation, a Government of India undertaking, which threatens the existence of this revered religious site. They are united in their efforts to protect their sacred land and heritage.
