Cumbarjua MLA, Naroa locals oppose encroachment of aarti ghat project at crematorium

Panaji: Chairman of Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai has opposed the encroachment of the Naroa, Divar crematorium due to an proposed aarti ghat project at the site.

He said that the project is being taken up at the cost of Rs 11 crore by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).

Faldessai said that the crematorium is over 200 years old, which could be even 500 years old, and some vested interests are trying to usurp the land.

He said that the private crematorium that is located in Mayem constituency serves the residents of 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 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 also has assured me of a solution. We have the support of the Tourism Minister as well,” he said.

He said that the locals are demanding at least 300 sqm for the crematorium.

“We have been patient for the past 3 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 to this. If there is no solution, then we will escalate our protest. We are not opposing the project, but this should not happen at the cost of the crematorium,” he said.

Adv Suhas Volvoikar, a local of Akhada, said, “The land is private, within the jurisdiction of the panchayat. There should be a process of law. One cannot evict someone from their house. The government and GTDC have not addressed this issue. They are doing this for their vested interests. Work is going on close to where the crematorium is located. 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 300sqm for the crematorium,” he said.