Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a significant gesture towards cultural preservation and community outreach, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte conducted a joint inspection of the Khapreshwar Temple site on Sunday.
The visit aimed to review ongoing restoration efforts and address local concerns linked to the temple’s partial displacement during past highway expansion works.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges faced during the national highway widening, which had affected heritage areas including the Khapreshwar temple.
He emphasized that all steps taken were in line with Supreme Court guidelines and that the government is now focused on resolving the aftermath through peaceful dialogue.
“The reconstruction of Khapreshwar Temple is not just a matter of infrastructure — it’s about respecting the cultural and spiritual sentiments of our people. We are ensuring that all work proceeds with community consensus and without conflict,” said Dr. Sawant, assuring full government support for the project.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte reiterated the government’s balanced approach to development and heritage.
He addressed recent tensions, saying, “Despite verbal confrontations, the Chief Minister has stood firm in ensuring the sanctity of the site is upheld. We urge all stakeholders to avoid politicizing religious matters and instead work together to maintain peace and unity.”
The ministers confirmed that key elements of the restoration — including the inner sanctum, access path, and boundary wall — have already been redeveloped. They extended their gratitude to local villagers, panchayat members, and administrative departments for their cooperation in advancing the reconstruction.
The state leadership affirmed its commitment to protecting Goa’s cultural essence amid ongoing infrastructure development, promising continued transparency and community involvement throughout the process.
