THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
A day after villagers opposed the proposed permanent campus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Goa at Farmagudi over religious, cultural and environmental concerns, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday sought to allay apprehensions by assuring that not "even an inch" of land in and around the revered Katamgal Dada shrine would be touched for the project.
Responding to the controversy, Sawant questioned the opposition to the project and appealed to people not to oppose the prestigious educational institution without reason.
"I don't understand why the opposition is against the IIT campus at Farmagudi. I also believe in Katamgal Dada. We will not touch even an inch of land or the area in and around the Katamgal Dada shrine. I respect the sentiments of the people, and even I believe in the deity," the Chief Minister said.
Emphasising that the proposed campus is planned entirely on government-owned land, Sawant said there was no reason to create unnecessary fears. "People should not unnecessarily oppose IIT just for the sake of it. We are undertaking the project on government land. Someone should not try to instigate people by using their sentiments," he said.
Sawant further said he had personally spoken to Madkai MLA Sudin Dhavalikar, Priol MLA Govind Gaude and several local residents regarding the issue. "My request to the people is that I will tell Katamgal Dada that we won't touch his land. It is a good project and people should stop opposing good projects like this without reason," he added.
Large number of villagers gathered at the Katamgal Dada shrine on the Farmagudi plateau under the "Save Katamgal" campaign on Sunday to oppose the proposed IIT campus. Devotees performed a traditional garane and alleged that survey markers for the project had been placed within the sacred precincts of the shrine.
Protesters contended that the project would threaten the shrine, damage the traditional mango grove surrounding it and adversely impact the area's religious and cultural heritage.
Locals also expressed fears that fencing and other infrastructure associated with the IIT campus could obstruct the traditional route believed to be taken by the Katamgal Dada deity while patrolling the plateau.
