Says beautification work will preserve site’s natural and spiritual character
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant inspects the beautification work at the Shri Rudreshwar Temple complex in Harvalem-Sanquelim. Also present were Engineer Pramod Badami, Temple Committee President Yashwant Madkar and other officials.
Bicholim
The beautification of the Shri Rudreshwar Temple complex at Harvalem-Sanquelim is one of the most modern tourism and heritage projects being undertaken in Goa. The State government is investing Rs 19 crore in the project, which aims to improve the temple surroundings while preserving its spiritual and natural importance.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that no trees will be cut during the work. Instead, flowering, medicinal and fruit-bearing trees will be planted to enhance the area. Along with the beautification project, a bridge will also be built for the residents of Karmale-Kudne village, located across the river from Harvalem.
Sawant reviewed the progress of the work and said that it is moving ahead satisfactorily and is expected to be completed within a year.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by senior government officials, inspected the ongoing work being carried out by the Goa Tourism Department at the temple complex. During the visit, he gave several instructions to the concerned authorities. Engineer Pramod Badami, Temple Committee President Yashwant Madkar and other officials were present.
Speaking after the inspection, Dr Sawant said that Shri Rudreshwar Temple attracts a large number of devotees and visitors every day. The nearby Harvalem Waterfall is also a major tourist attraction. The area is well known for religious rituals, including the immersion of ashes, which brings many devotees to the site.
He added that Goans and members of the Jain community regularly visit the revered Prabhu Paduka shrine located across the river. To provide better facilities for devotees and tourists and to promote the area’s tourism potential, the Goa Tourism Department has taken up this important project.
As part of the development, around 1,000 steps will be built around the temple complex to create a parikrama path for devotees. A bridge will also be constructed to connect Karmale-Kudne village with Harvalem, fulfilling a long-pending demand of local residents.
Sawant further said that the existing iron bridge leading to the Prabhu Paduka shrine will be replaced with a permanent structure.
The beautification work is progressing smoothly and systematically, and the entire project is expected to be completed within the next year.
Following the inspection, Temple Committee President Yashwant Madkar said that the issues and suggestions raised by the Chief Minister would be discussed at a meeting of the temple committee.
