3 days ago
Banjara Tribal Park project progresses at snail's pace
Bidar: The Rs 200 crore Banjara Tribal Park construction in Bidar's Humanabad taluk is progressing sluggishly, causing public discontent over the apparent negligence of government officials and politicians.
The development of the tribal park in Borampalli village, intended to preserve the culture, attire, dance and artistic traditions of the Banjara community, has remained stagnant for a decade.
The state govt approved construction on 34.06 acres in 2015-16, planning completion within a year. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress govt allocated Rs 200 crore, releasing Rs 30 crore initially. Karnataka Tanda Development Corporation initiated the first phase, establishing a compound wall and roads.
However, contracted departments' slow execution has hindered progress.
The proposed park includes plans for a Banjara garment manufacturing unit incorporating modern technology, aiming to generate employment while preserving traditional clothing culture. Traditional Banjara embroidery faces decline in the modern era and the govt plans to establish training facilities to preserve this. Plans also include establishing a school for traditional dance and musical instruments, alongside a cement and brick manufacturing unit.
The park aims to provide part-time residential schools for children of migrating workers. Additionally, the corporation plans to establish a deaddiction centre.
Corporation chairman Jaidev Nayak, who has been in charge for a year, told TOI that he does not know why the project was stopped and will look into the matter. He said there is no market for the embroidery work of the community as it costs a little.
