Jodeghat (Adilabad): Ignoring the sentiments of tribals, the tribal welfare officials of Integrated Tribal Development of Agency (ITDA), Utnoor, constructed toilets near ‘Samadhi’ of Adivasi legend Komaram Bheem, who died fighting the Nizam forces at Jodeghat on September 1, 1940.
The officials organise Komaram Bheem death anniversary every year at the sacred place and thousands of Adivasis from across the state and public representatives take part. The toilets were constructed in the place considered to be sacred and of historical value by the Adivasis. The toilets were meant for the inmates of the tribal ashram school.
Adivasis say construction of toilets at the sacred place hurts their sentiments attached to the sacred place. They allege the act reflects the apathy of officials towards Adivasis and their traditions. Water connection was given to the toilets recently and solar water heater was erected on the school building to supply hot water to the students for bathing.
Jodeghat in the Kerameri mandal has 40 houses of Gonds and some of them are relatives of Komaram Bheem. There was enough place in the surroundings of the sacred place where officials could have constructed the toilets or else behind the Ashram school building. But toilets were constructed opposite the Bheem’s statue.
