Faldessai thanks CM for scrapping Aarti Ghat project at Narvem

Panaji: Chairman of the Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai on Tuesday informed that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has decided to scrap the proposed Aarti Ghat project at Narvem, bringing major relief to the local residents. Faldessai expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister for taking swift cognisance of the concerns raised by the people and acting promptly on the matter.

The Aarti Ghat project, estimated at around ₹11 crore, was proposed to be undertaken by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) as part of tourism development initiatives in the area.

Faldessai stated that while the project was initially planned at a reasonable distance from the existing crematorium, subsequent developments saw work being initiated very close to the crematorium premises. The Narvem crematorium, he pointed out, is widely used not only by locals but also by people from neighbouring areas such as Ribandar and Marcel, making it a sensitive and important facility for several communities.

“We had not opposed the project in the beginning as it was meant for development. However, when we realised that the construction was coming up in close proximity to the crematorium, sentiments of the local residents had to be respected. Accordingly, we opposed the same and sought an immediate meeting with the Chief Minister,” Faldessai said.

He further informed that he met the Chief Minister on Monday and submitted a formal representation highlighting the concerns of the villagers. “In my presence, the Chief Minister immediately moved a note to the Tourism Minister and personally called GTDC Chairman Kedar Naik, directing that the work be halted with immediate effect. I thank him for his prompt intervention and sensitive approach towards the issue,” Faldessai added.

While a few steps had already been constructed at the site, the Chief Minister has assured that no further work will be carried out and that the project stands scrapped.

Faldessai said that the decision has brought immense relief to the people of Narvem and surrounding areas. “All the locals are thankful to the Chief Minister for resolving this important and emotionally sensitive issue without delay,” he said.