MAPUSA
The State government is expediting efforts to construct a new temple for the idol of Dev Shree Kapreshwar, which is currently housed in a temporary container and remains open for public worship.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, who is also the local MLA, along with local panchayat members, are actively involved in identifying a suitable site for the temple.
Authorities are determined to complete the construction within the next 15 days, ensuring a smooth relocation of the revered idol.
A highly placed source revealed that the government is considering two possible locations for the temple.
The first option is to build it at the site in Socorro where the 200-year-old banyan tree was recently translocated.
The second option involves identifying a new site near the original location of the idol, which would also allow for the planting of a young banyan tree in place of the translocated one.
“The goal is to find a location as close as possible to the original site. Since the translocated banyan tree cannot be moved again, we plan to plant a new, younger tree to maintain the sanctity of the area,” the source disclosed.
Executive Engineer of Public Works Department (National Highways), Jude Carvalho, confirmed that a site belonging to the Serula comunidade has been identified close to the original location.
However, he noted that official approval is required before proceeding with construction.
“We need the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the comunidade to commence work. If granted, we can immediately begin constructing the temple and plant a two-year-old banyan tree at the new site,” Carvalho said.
He further assured that construction would proceed without delay, as the contractor who is constructing the elevated corridor has agreed to build the temple.
“We aim to complete the temple in the next 15 days so that the idol of Dev Shree Kapreshwar can be safely relocated. At present, a priest has been hired by the contractor to conduct daily rituals before the idol. Worshippers can also continue to offer prayers at the temporary site,” Carvalho added.
The Executive Engineer further informed that if they cannot locate a new site then the temple will have to be constructed at Socorro where the age-old banyan tree has been translocated.
