Jharkhand: Centre Stays All Tourism Activities At Jain Holy Site 'Shri Sammed Shikharji'

The Centre on Thursday stayed all tourism activities at the Parasnath Hill where the Jain religious site of Shri Sammed Shikharji is located and directed the Jharkhand government to immediately take all steps necessary to protect its sanctity.

The decision comes amid Jain community's protest against the decision of Jharkhand government to turn the religious site "Shri Sammed Shikharji" into a tourist hotspot.

Additionally, the Central government has also formed a committee to look after the issue of promoting tourism in Parasnath Hills, one of the holiest places for the community in Giridih.

Earlier in the day, several representatives of the Jain community met Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav over the issue.

Yadav assured them that the Centre is committed to maintain the sanctity of 'Sammed Shikharji Parvat Kshetra' which is a holy place not only for the Jain community but for the entire country.

Following the meeting, the Centre directed the Jharkhand government to "strictly enforce the relevant provisions Management Plan of the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary that specifically prohibit damage to flora or fauna; coming with pet animals; playing loud music or use loudspeakers; defiling sites or religious and cultural significance such as, sacred monuments, lakes, rocks, caves, and shrines; and sale of liquor, drugs, and other intoxicants etc; unauthorised camping and trekking etc on the Parasnath Hill", according to a Environment Ministry release.

"The state government has also been directed to strictly enforce the ban on the sale and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian food items on Parasnath hill," the ministry added.

The Centre also formed a monitoring committee to enable appropriate involvement and oversight on the issue, and directed the state government to have two members from the Jain community and one member from the local tribal community as permanent invitees to the panel.

In August 2019, the Union Environment Ministry had notified an eco-sensitive zone around the Parasnath Sanctuary and approved eco-tourism activities in pursuance of the proposal submitted by the state government.