PANAJI
A multi-crore project to develop Harvalem waterfall under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme has come under a cloud, with allegations that temple property was committed to the project without proper legal authority and mandatory clearances.
An advocate who obtained information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act and High Court records raised questions over the role of the state-appointed Administrator and the ad hoc committee of Shree Rudreshwar Devasthan.
Advocate Atish Mandrekar, in a complaint filed with the Crime Branch, alleged that the project, estimated at over Rs 18 crore, is being implemented through the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).
He stated that the Administrator and ad hoc committee were appointed as interim caretakers to manage routine administrative and financial affairs and rituals pending fresh elections. “Their authority did not extend to permanently alienating temple property... The Ministry of Tourism’s sanction order dated March 17, 2025, also reportedly stipulates that no part of the project can be built on private or temple trust land and that land rights must remain with the state government,” he alleged adding, “However, land records for Survey Nos. 67/0 and 69/3 reportedly identify Shri Deo Mahadeo Rudreshwar Harvale as the owner and occupant.”
The allegations include claims that GTDC submitted an incorrect undertaking to the Centre regarding State possession of the land.
RTI records further indicate that GTDC awarded a work order to M/s I B Constructions on July 8, 2025, while the mandatory municipal construction licence was still being processed. Forest, coastal regulation zone and Archaeological Survey of India clearances were reportedly marked as not applicable.
Crime Branch officials confirmed receipt of the complaint and said they would conduct a preliminary inquiry before taking appropriate action, such as registering an FIR.
