Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has strongly condemned the BJP Government for including sacred temple lands in mining leases in Bicholim Taluka, calling it “an unforgivable insult to faith and heritage.”
The auctioned mining blocks, finalized in 2023, encompassed lands belonging to Shree Kelbai Devasthan in Mulgao and Shree Devi Lairai Temple in Sirigao, despite repeated protests from local villagers and temple committees. Gram Sabhas in both areas had passed resolutions demanding the exclusion of sacred sites, but their objections were ignored.
Speaking to the press, Amit Patkar, GPCC President, said, “This is not just about mining — it is about the BJP auctioning Goa’s soul for corporate profit. No government has the right to sell our Devasthans for money. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Mulgao, Sirigao, and every Goan who values their faith and heritage.”
The Congress also highlighted that the government failed to carry out proper surveys before granting mining leases, including houses and water bodies within the lease boundaries. Villagers had filed petitions and protested strongly, reflecting the deep anger and disappointment of local communities.
Patkar accused the BJP of reckless governance and of handing over Goa’s land, hills, and heritage to crony capitalists. “Defending Goa’s temples and Devasthans is not an act against faith but an act of faith itself — to protect what generations of Goans have built and revered,” he said.
The GPCC pledged to continue supporting villagers in their fight to safeguard their temples, homes, and environment from what it calls “destructive and unscientific mining policies.”
