Was not informed of Khapreshwar temple demolition: Caretaker

Panaji: Caretaker of the Dev Khapreshwar temple at Voddakadde, Porvorim, Karthik Kudnekar, on Thursday alleged that, contrary to the PWD claim, he was unaware that the temple is being demolished this week. The temple was demolished earlier this week to make way for the six-lane elevated highway corridor and the PWD had stated that the demolition was as per the alignment finalised as far back as 2019.
Kudnekar was not present at the time protests were held by locals and environmental and political activists during the demolition of the temple. He said that he was in a disturbed frame of mind due to the demolition of the temple, which is why he was not present that day.
On Thursday, he addressed the media and admitted that he did sign consent terms in the Supreme Court regarding the temple. However, he disputed PWD’s statement that the temple committee was aware that the consent terms were agreed to shifting the temple from its location at Voddakodde.
Kudnekar said that the consent terms agreed to demolish structures were within 25 metres, which are in the right of way. However, he said that the Dev Khapreshwar temple is 31 metres away and not in the right of way.
Kudnekar also claimed that the so-called temple committee, which was taken by MLA Rohan Khaunte to meet the chief minister, is not the actual temple committee. He said there is no question then of being satisfied with CM’s assurance of reconstructing the temple.
“I have met every authority possible to get the temple saved. I was not informed that the temple will be demolished, they completely destroyed it. Many devotees are coming there to pray and are shocked to not find the temple. I was not there during the demolition because I could not tolerate seeing the temple being brought down,” he said.