CANACONA: Two development projects, including road infrastructure improvement and temple beautification, were inaugurated in the Canacona constituency on Wednesday.
Work on the improvement of the existing road leading to Mastimol in V.P. Cotigao commenced earlier in the day. The project, estimated at ₹63.82 lakh, aims to upgrade the condition of the road, which had been a longstanding concern for local residents.
Villagers had been facing difficulties due to the poor state of the road. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to enhance connectivity, improve safety and ease daily commuting in the area.
Later, the foundation stone was laid for the construction of a mantap along with beautification works at Nirakar Temple in Kindlem. The project, taken up under the MLA-LAD scheme, is estimated to cost ₹19.20 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Art and Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, and Tribal Welfare, and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar said the initiative would improve facilities for devotees and help preserve the sanctity of the temple surroundings.
Nirakar Devasthan at Kindlem is among the oldest temples in Canacona and holds religious significance, with rituals linked to Shree Mallikarjun Devasthan. The temple attracts large gatherings during festivals such as Divjotsav, Shigmotsav and the annual Natak Mahotsav.
The foundation stone for both projects was laid by Tawadkar in the presence of Khotigao Sarpanch Jayesh Gaonkar, panchayat members, temple committee members and local residents.
