BICHOLIM: Narve residents and historians have demanded that the government develop and beautify the tirtha, which is in shambles due to lack of maintenance. They stated that the steps at the tirtha have been damaged and the entire area wears a shabby look.
Narve residents and even people from across the State visit the tirtha; during Ashtami celebrations, the area wears a festive look and several rituals are held. As per the villagers, the place has been considered holy for several years, and earlier, palanquins of several devasthan used to converge there during Asthami. Newly-wed couples would also bathe in the water.
Herald visited the site to verify the claims and found that the steps leading to the water were badly damaged and sand and waste had been dumped at the site.
“This is considered holy water, but now, because of heavy illegal sand extraction and no maintenance, the area looks shabby. The old stones of these steps have washed away and no one is paying attention to it,” said local Namdev Malvankar, adding, “We demand that the MLA and government divert some funds for the development of this place so that all type of rituals can take place.”
Historian Prajal Sakhardande stated that the area has historical significance, but is not under the archiological department, so the government could look into the matter and restore the tirth. He added, “The panchayat and MLA should look into the issue and try to restore the steps and the entire area, which has religious and historical significance.”
When contacted, Mayem MLA and Deputy Speaker Anant Shet informed that a proposal to repair the steps had aleady been put forward as the people were facing problems, especially during Ashtami. He added, “We have already inspected the area and put up a proposal to maintain the steps and surrounding area. But, before that, the locals should be taken into confidence and then the work should be done.”
