PONDA: The residents of Borim have demanded that the pending work of hot mixing of the road leading to Siddhanath Hill at Borim which has been incomplete since 1997 be completed at the earliest.
The residents informed that devotees who attend the annual Zatra at Siddhanath Temple atop the hill are forced to undergo severe hardship on account of rough road leading to the temple.
In 2007, government had commenced the road work atop the hill but 250- mt long portion could not be hotmixed following objections from the owner as it passes through a private property.
Though the new road stretch has remained incomplete, the residents demand that Government should settle the issue with the owner to ensure that the devotees are not forced to undergo severe hardships. In 2012, the Government had decided to develop the place as tourism destination via notification dated December 2, 2012. According to locals namely Santosh Prabudesai, Harshad Devari, Santosh Prabudesai , Sharmila Prabudesai, Sagar Prabu and Sachin Prabu Siddhanath, the hill is known as Sidhanath Parvath, which one of the biggest hills in Goa. The state government had long ago decided to promote it as hinterland tourism spot but so far the road work has remain incomplete.
Around 2500 devotees proceed on foot to attend annual zatra atop the hill, which is held in January and for various religious rituals and functions.
Locals informed that in 1986, MLA Subash Shirodkar had put in his hard efforts in the construction of the road which was later initiated in 1997. Many associations have also been demanding the completion of said road.
Mudraa Prathisthan in association of Shree Navdurga Temple, Borim has organised programme Festival of Music and Art and Heritage on December 2 with an aim to attract Government’s attention.
