Team Herald
PANJIM: Four-century-old Mauli Temple in Poroscodem in Pernem is under the threat of being demolished to make way for the widening of National Highway 66. Mahajans and locals have threatened to disrupt any progress of work until the issue is resolved.
Addressing the media in Panjim, Mauli Temple Mahajan Jitendra Gaonkar informed that the temple was constructed more than four centuries ago by the ancestors of the villagers. He informed that the temple precinct consists of seven centuries old “ruinne” (ant hills) which have is being worshipped and taken care of ever since.
“In 2014, the temple Mahajans received a notice that as part of the national highway widening project the temple too will be demolished. We approached the officials concerned with our grievances and demanded that the route be changed. Our request was obliged and we were informed that the temple will not be demolished,” he said.
“However, in 2018 after four years we received a communication from authorities that the temple would be demolished. When we approached the officer concerned, this time we were informed that the area has been placed for land acquisition,” Gaonkar added.
Questioning the government’s intend, he said, “For four years the authorities did not send us even a single letter and suddenly we are informed that the temple area is under land acquisition process.”
Gaonkar informed that despite two meetings with local MLA and Tourism Minister Babu Azgaonkar alongwith the officials concerned, no solution could be reached.
“We realised that Azgaonkar was not interested in resolving the issue and is hand in gloves with those who want to demolish the temple. Hence, we approached PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar; (and) we have written to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Secretary and all other authorities concerned, but have not received any indications of resolving the issue,” he stated.
Claiming that there is an alternative route which the authorities had earlier taken heed of but are not willing to take into consideration now, Gaonkar said that the villagers are ready to struggle in saving the temple.
“The ‘ruinne’ cannot be moved; and therefore to protect our religious sanctity and emotions to the temple, which is the ‘Devi’ of five neighbouring villages too, we will not allow any progress on the national highway widening near the site till the government comes up with a solution,” he threatened.
