Team Herald
MARGAO: The Shantadurga temple committee at Fatorpa has expressed sadness that the temple, which is visited by lakhs of tourists every year, has remained undeveloped for decades due to lack of support from the government.
The temple committee, headed by Govind Dessai, called a press conference on Wednesday to explain the arrangements made for the temple’s annual zatrotsav, which will be held from January 10-13. The zatrotsav will include Konkani plays, an orchestra and other programs.
When asked whether the government supports the zatrotsav, committee president Govind Dessai stated that the committee has been asking for help or initiative from the Tourism Department for quite a long time, but it hasn’t received any. He said, “We had asked for a transformer for power during the zatrotsav on several instances. We haven’t received any yet, even after asking for long time.”
He added, “The zatrotsav has to have the government’s support in the sectors of sanitation, electricity and garbage management.”
Dessai also informed that the construction of the Saptakoteshwar Temple is in the second phase. The main room in which idols will be installed will be completed within a year as funds of over Rs 70 to 80 lakh are required. The entire temple will be completed in two years and the adjoining area will be complete in three more years.
