MAPUSA
Intense protests by local residents and activists forced authorities to halt the removal of the idol of Dev Khapreshwar from a temple under a banyan tree in Porvorim on Sunday evening.
The operation was suddenly stopped at around 7.30 pm amid growing tension at the site.
The work, which also includes translocating the sacred banyan tree, is expected to resume on Monday.
“Work of removing Dev Khapreshwar’s idol has been stopped to prevent any law and order situation as tensions escalated,” said Devanand Prabhu, Joint Mamlatdar-I of Bardez.
Earlier in the day, the removal process had been progressing steadily, but as evening approached, confusion arose amid loud chanting by devotees and activists.
Conflicting reports regarding a stop-work order further added to the commotion.
Eventually, a group of devotees broke the barricades and entered the temple premises, cheering as they claimed victory in halting the work.
Goa Police personnel stationed at the site appeared uncertain about the situation.
Meanwhile, local residents and activists vowed to continue their resistance until the government completely withdraws plans to remove the idol and demolish the temple.
The State government had initiated work at the site as part of the elevated corridor project, beginning with the pruning of the banyan tree before attempting to remove the idol on Sunday morning.
Despite continued opposition throughout the day, a Public Works Department (PWD) official confirmed that the site would eventually be cleared to allow for the corridor’s construction.
“We will remove everything. Nothing will be left at the site,” the PWD official stated, indicating that the decision had been approved at the highest levels of government.
As the day progressed, protests intensified with the arrival of more activists and political leaders, who criticized the government and the Chief Minister for failing to protect the temple.
The pruning of the sacred banyan tree was carried out under the supervision of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, representatives from Doctor Tree, PWD (NH) officials, the Mamlatdar, and police authorities.
Kartik Kudnekar, the caretaker of Shri Khapreshwar Devasthan, was asked to collect the idol.
Officials stated that in his absence, the idol would be temporarily placed at the police station or another site designated by the contractor.
“Once the idol is removed, the temple will be demolished, and the banyan tree will be uprooted and relocated to Socorro overnight, ensuring that the elevated corridor project continues without further delays,” the PWD official had asserted.
