Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chairman of the Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai has strongly opposed the alleged encroachment of the crematorium at Naroa, Divar, in connection with the proposed Aarti Ghat project at the site.
Faldessai stated that the project is being undertaken at an estimated cost of ₹11 crore by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). He expressed concern that the centuries-old crematorium, believed to be over 200 years old — and possibly even 500 years old — is under threat due to the proposed development.
He alleged that vested interests are attempting to usurp the land and said that the private crematorium, located in the Mayem constituency, serves residents from Akhada, Sao Estavao, Old Goa, Cumbarjua, Tirth, Divar and Vanxim.
“At the moment, the project proponent is removing things concerning the crematorium. We don’t want this removed. We are not asking for land — this belongs to our ancestors. We don’t want the crematorium shifted elsewhere. I have spoken to the Chief Minister and he has assured me. I will be meeting him on Monday regarding this issue. I have also spoken to Mayem MLA Premendra Shet and he has assured me of a solution. We have the support of the Tourism Minister as well,” Faldessai said.
He added that the locals are demanding that at least 300 square metres of land be retained for the crematorium.
“We have been patient for the past three months, but now things have gotten out of hand. We are opposing the project if they are going to clear the crematorium. We are united along with the locals. We are waiting for three days till Wednesday for a solution. If there is no solution, we will escalate our protest. We are not opposing the project, but it should not come at the cost of the crematorium,” he said.
Advocate Suhas Volvoikar, a local from Akhada, said that the land is private and falls within the jurisdiction of the panchayat. “There should be due process of law. One cannot evict someone from their house. The government and GTDC have not addressed this issue. Work is ongoing close to the crematorium. The government should acquire land for the project, not evict someone. The area is nearly 800–1000 sqm belonging to a local gaunkar. However, the locals want at least 300 sqm reserved for the crematorium,” he said.
