35 Catholic families of Goan origin to be rehabilitated due to irrigation project
The Chapel of St Francis Xavier at Nardave village in Kankavali taluka of Sindhudurg is set to get submerged along with houses in the village.
In the quiet village of Nardave, also known as Mohammedwadi in Kankavali taluka of Sindhudurg district, an emotional chapter is drawing to a close as dozens of families of Goan origin prepare to leave behind not only their ancestral homes but also a cherished symbol of their faith and identity — the chapel dedicated to their ‘Goencho Saib’ St Francis Xavier.
The village is among the areas being evacuated for the ambitious Nardave Medium Irrigation Project on the Gad River, an ongoing storage dam initiative expected to irrigate more than 8,000 hectares across Kankavali, Kudal and Malvan talukas.
As authorities intensify rehabilitation efforts ahead of the project’s completion soon, emotions of the villagers know no bounds.
Among those deeply affected are nearly 35 Konkani-speaking Catholic families of Goan origin residing in Nardave under Bhironda parish since over three generations. For these settlers, the relocation is not merely about shifting houses — it is about parting with memories, traditions, and a chapel that nurtured their devotion for decades.
The St Francis Xavier chapel, lovingly built by villagers in 1987 as a mark of gratitude and reverence to their ‘Goencho Saib’, the patron saint deeply venerated by Goans across generations. The chapel, which has served as a spiritual anchor for the community, is now expected to be submerged once the dam waters rise.
“Entire village and neighbouring hamlets having about 1,000 houses are being evacuated and rehabilitated at a place called Sambhajinagar. We are going through tough times these days and are busy shifting. However, the thought that the chapel so fondly constructed by us will also be submerged pains us deeply. We are still unsure whether we will receive land to rebuild the chapel at the new rehabilitation site,” said Bastanv D’Souza, the former village sarpanch and a gaonkar of Moira Communidade.
Another villager expressed anguish over the rehabilitation package, stating that while compensation of Rs 20 lakh per acre for agricultural land is being offered, families are being allotted only a small residential plot of around 370 square metres.
“It is painful to leave behind the chapel where we gathered for the Rosary, Holy Mass, and feast celebrations of our Goencho Saib. That chapel carried our prayers, hopes and memories,” was the emotional remark of another villager.
