The beautification work was inaugurated by local MLA and Chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation, Deviya Rane, in the presence of a large gathering of villagers. Addressing the function, Deviya emphasized that village temples serve as vital centres of cultural and religious life. She noted that such institutions bring positive transformation to individuals while contributing to the overall development of rural communities.
Among those present were Zilla Panchayat member Nilesh Parwar, Mauss Panchayat Sarpanch Preeti Gavkar, Deputy Sarpanch Sayaji Sawant, Panch member Radhiki Sawant, Gurudas Gawas, Somnath Kale, temple priest Vitthal Sawant, along with many local residents.
Deviya stated that the beautification project fulfills a promise made during the Assembly election campaign. The Kopardem temple holds a special spiritual significance in Goa, with devotees considering it a place of healing, particularly for skin-related ailments. An annual religious fair attracts a large number of visitors, and arrangements for devotees’ accommodation have been made through the agarsala with the support of the local community. She highlighted that temples play a key role in shaping a village’s identity and that fulfilling commitments requires collective effort.
The Goa Government, she added, is committed to the holistic development of villages by providing quality infrastructure and facilities comparable to urban areas. The Kopardem temple beautification project is part of this broader vision to enhance rural amenities. Deviya credited the progress to the “double engine government” and appealed to the public for continued support.
In addition to infrastructure development, the government is focusing on creating employment opportunities in rural areas. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has taken special initiatives to provide jobs for educated youth in the taluka. It was also assured that further employment opportunities will be generated ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
The project will include paving around the temple, essential repairs, aesthetic painting, and decorative lighting. The initiative aims to meet the expectations of local residents while improving facilities for devotees. Deviya reiterated that public satisfaction is central to rural development and assured that the work will be completed at the earliest with the cooperation of the community.
