Panjim, 9th June 2025 – Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, along with Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, visited the Khapreshwar Temple precinct this afternoon to assess the site’s development needs and ensure timely progress in its restoration and heritage revival. The visit reflects the Government of Goa’s ongoing commitment to preserving cultural heritage while ensuring that tourism development is inclusive and sensitive to local sentiments.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister recalled the challenges faced in recent years, particularly related to the earlier highway alignment and the resulting unrest. The widening of the national highway, carried out in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines and after necessary consultations, had unintentionally impacted sensitive zones, including the Kapreshwar temple premises.
Chief Minister Dr. Sawant emphasized that the reconstruction of the Khapreshwar Temple has been a long-standing demand of the local community. He stated that the project had earlier encountered obstacles due to alignment changes during highway expansion, but the government has taken concrete steps to resolve all issues through dialogue and consensus. “We are committed to restoring this sacred site with full respect to the sentiments of the people.
There should be no room for conflict. Let there be peace in the village and sanctity in the temple area,” the Chief Minister said. He assured that work on the temple precinct would continue in a structured and peaceful manner, and that affected families and local stakeholders will be appropriately consulted.
The Hon’ble Tourism Minister, reaffirmed the government’s stance on safeguarding cultural assets while enabling developmental works that serve both heritage and infrastructure needs. “The Hon’ble Tourism Minister, reaffirmed the government’s stance on safeguarding cultural assets while enabling developmental works that serve both heritage and infrastructure needs. “Despite certain verbal confrontations directed toward the Hon’ble Chief Minister, myself, and fellow Panchayat members, the Chief Minister remained resolute and composed, standing firmly by his decision to retain the deity of Lord Khapreshwar within its original jurisdiction. We firmly believe that religious matters should remain above political influence or agendas. Faith and tradition are deeply personal and sacred, and we must uphold them with dignity and respect. The Chief Minister has already performed the necessary religious rituals (vidhi) at the designated location and has assured us that the Government of Goa will provide full support to facilitate the rebuilding of the place of worship at the approved site.
He reiterated the government’s appeal to refrain from political disputes and focus on collective efforts to restore peace and unity in the village. The Chief Minister noted that construction work had resumed with the cooperation of villagers, supported by administrative bodies. A boundary wall, inner sanctum, and access path have been redeveloped as part of this initiative.
Gratitude was extended to the local villagers, Panchayat representatives, and all departments who cooperated in facilitating the reconstruction process. The leadership assured that every effort will be made to prevent further disruptions and safeguard the cultural essence of Goa amidst infrastructural growth.
