MARGAO
Citizens of Navelim on Saturday urged the Public Works Department (PWD) not to demolish the centuries-old Holy Cross at Jakniband for the expansion of NH66, instead seeking its relocation to an alternative site along the main road.
Local residents, including Tome and Santolin, along with Congress leader Adv Pratima Coutinho and social worker Carmo Carneiro, visited the site and appealed to the PWD to shift the Cross before proceeding with any demolition.
Residents said they had learnt that the Cross was likely to be removed as part of the NH66 expansion project.
“People of Navelim have shown they are not against development. But, considering the religious sentiments attached to the Cross, which has existed for centuries, the PWD should relocate it to an alternative site,” Pratima said.
Tome said the Cross had long been regarded as the Rakhandar (protector) of local residents and motorists using the highway.
“We request the PWD to provide at least 400 square metres of land to build a shrine. The existing shrine should not be touched until an alternative site and structure are provided,” he said.
Carneiro said the Cross had stood for over 200 years and had been revered across generations. “Generations of people have worshipped at this site. We have offered the authorities the option of relocating the Cross to a safe place near the existing structure,” he said.
