MAPUSA
The Public Works Department (PWD) has reiterated its authority over government-acquired land, stating that any action deemed necessary for infrastructure development can be undertaken without requiring external consent.
However, as a matter of courtesy, the department engages with parties concerned when religious structures are involved, according to Executive Engineer (National Highways), Jude Carvalho.
Carvalho emphasised that while the department has the legal right to proceed with actions on acquired land, efforts are made to maintain religious sanctity. He cited the recent relocation of a chapel opposite Dr Pinto do Rosario Hospital, where the chapel committee readily agreed to the move without resistance.
In the case of the Khapreshwar temple, Carvalho mentioned that he had called a meeting with all petitioners before commencing the actual work on the ground. Among those present was Karthik Kudnekar, the temple caretaker, who remained silent throughout the discussions.
Carvalho also stated that over the past five to six months, he had reached out to Kudnekar multiple times, requesting him to suggest a suitable place for shifting the idol. However, Kudnekar consistently delayed discussions, citing a busy schedule.
"Technically, I am not even required to consult anyone as the land is government-acquired. But to avoid hurting religious sentiments, I went out of my way to engage in discussions," Carvalho noted.
He further explained that in cases where resistance is encountered before demolition, officials from the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records (DSLR) are called in to remeasure the area to ensure due process is followed.
Since assuming his role as PWD EE (NH) in November 2023, Carvalho stated that only three religious structures have been shifted: a small shrine (ghumti) in Virnoda, the chapel in Porvorim, and the Khapreshwar temple. “But before I could join, several religious structures have been shifted for the expansion of the NH-66,” he said.
The removal of Virnoda shrine (ghumti) in Pernem, in particular, faced significant local opposition and was only removed after a vehicle accident damaged its barricade and the structure itself. The PWD continues to handle such relocations sensitively while ensuring that infrastructure projects are not hindered.
