Devotees seek urgent repair of Narvem river bank

Bicholim: Devotees visiting the annual Janmashtami celebrations at Narvem Tirth, which attracts people from across the state have urged state govt to urgently repair the Narvem Panchaganga river bank.

They have demanded the construction of proper steps to prevent accidents during festivals. Residents pointed out that the existing steps are in a dangerous condition and have become extremely slippery. They warned that devotees standing on these steps risk skidding and falling into the river.


Locals said that although the government had announced plans to rejuvenate the Narvem Panchaganga river bank during the last Janmashtami celebrations, no concrete work has been carried out so far.

They added that the condition of the river bank is deteriorating with each passing day, as no renovation or repair work has been undertaken posing a real danger to the devotees that visit.

“The Narvem river girth is considered the confluence of five rivers, Bicholim, Valvonti, Zuari, Khandepar and Mhadei, and is therefore known as Panchaganga. Devotees perform rituals here not only on Janmashtami but throughout the year. However, it is unfortunate that govt has not taken steps to renovate the riverbank,” said devotee Purushottam Assnodkar.