Bhandura water project threatens famous temple

TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BELGAUM: While environmentalists have raised concern over the destruction to the Western Ghats due to ongoing work of the controversial Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project, the project has also caused damages to the ancient Mauli temple at Kankumbi.
Authorities in Karnataka, who are determined to meet the deadline of April this year to complete the work, have accelerated work on the project. As a result, the Mantap wall of the Mauli temple, the destination of faith of people of Goa and north Karnataka, has developed huge cracks and is on the verge of collapse.
Though the very existence of Kankumbi village and the temple is at stake, promise made by authorities to offer huge compensation has compelled the villagers to maintain restraint over the losses.
Apart from the cracks to the temple, the road opposite linking Chigule village too has developed huge cracks forcing the authorities to divert the road. With the advent of summer, the wells and bore wells in Kankumbi region are turning dry.
Authorities have, however, no intention to stop despite the cracks as the deadline of April has to be met with.
“We intend to complete the work within a month’s time, hence the work will continue. But the Karnataka government has sanctioned a special relief of Rs 1.5 crore for the repairs of damages to the temple and properties,” a senior official said.