Sankhali/Harvalem, October 20: Serious allegations of administrative irregularities, unauthorised surrender of temple land rights and violations of Central Government funding conditions have surfaced in connection with the ₹18-crore-plus “Beautification and Development of Harvalem Waterfall project under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme”

 

Atish Mandrekar has alleged that the state-appointed Administrator (Deputy Collector) and the temporary Ad Hoc Committee of Shree Rudreshwar Devasthan unlawfully executed an irrevocable No Objection Certificate (NOC), effectively surrendering rights over ancestral temple property belonging to the Mahajans of the Naique Bhandari community.

Citing documents obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act and records of the Bombay High Court at Goa, Mandrekar claimed that the authorities acted beyond their legally permitted powers.

Alleged Violation of High Court Mandate

According to Mandrekar, the Administrator and Ad Hoc Committee were appointed as temporary caretakers under High Court directions, including those connected with Writ Petition No. 391 of 2017.

Their responsibilities were allegedly restricted to routine administration, financial management and religious activities pending fresh elections.

However, Mandrekar alleged that the interim body exceeded its authority by executing an Affidavit-cum-Irrevocable NOC (Annexure E), permitting the use of Devasthan property for a major tourism infrastructure project.

He contended that under the ‘Regulamento das Mazanias’ the legal framework governing Goan Devasthans, an interim caretaker committee cannot permanently surrender, encumber or alienate temple property without the requisite approval of the elected General Body of Mahajans.

Central Funding Conditions Allegedly Violated

According to his interpretation of the sanction conditions, project construction cannot be undertaken on privately owned or temple trust land, and the land must remain under State Government ownership or control.

He claimed that official Form I and XIV land records relating to Survey Nos. 67/0 and 69/3 identify Shri Deo Mahadeo Rudreshwar Harvale as the owner and occupant.

Despite these records, Mandrekar alleged that the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) submitted an incorrect undertaking to the Union Ministry claiming that the project land was in State Government possession.

He has demanded an investigation into whether the undertaking misrepresented the land’s legal status to obtain Central Government funding.

Work Order Issued Before Mandatory Permissions?

Another serious allegation concerns the award of the project work order to M/s I.B. Constructions on July 8, 2025.

Mandrekar claimed that the contract was awarded even though the mandatory municipal construction licence had not been obtained, with RTI records reportedly indicating that the approval was still under process.

He also questioned why Forest, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) clearances were reportedly marked as ‘Not Applicable’

According to him, the proposed construction involves environmentally sensitive riverbanks, slopes and areas near the historic rock-cut caves at Harvalem, raising questions about the applicability of environmental and heritage protection regulations.

Demand for Suspension of Project Funding

Mandrekar said affected stakeholders and community members are preparing formal complaints before the Union Ministry of Tourism, the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and the Bombay High Court at Goa.

They intend to seek immediate suspension of further Central Government funding, an independent criminal and administrative investigation into the alleged misrepresentation of land ownership, and cancellation of the disputed irrevocable NOC.

He maintained that development undertaken in the name of tourism cannot override the legal rights of a religious institution or the statutory safeguards protecting its property.

The controversy raises fundamental questions about the authority of interim Devasthan administrators, the accuracy of land ownership declarations submitted for Central funding and the responsibility of government agencies to secure statutory approvals before commencing major infrastructure projects.