SANGUEM
The Sangameshwar Devasthan Committee on Friday urged the authorities to conduct a detailed impact assessment of the proposed bandhara on the Zuari River at Mirabag, stating that the project could have serious consequences for the historic Sangameshwar Temple and nearby villages in Sanguem.
In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Sanguem, the committee called for a comprehensive environmental, social and cultural impact study before the project is taken forward.
The memorandum was submitted by committee president Supraj S Naik Tari along with other office bearers. Later speaking to media persons, Naik Tari stated that the proposed bandhara could have serious religious, environmental and social consequences for the centuries-old Sangameshwar Temple and the villages located along the river belt of Sanguem.
He explained that the temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located at a sacred confluence of rivers and houses a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam which naturally appears twice daily during low tide due to tidal movements. During high tide, the rising river water performs a natural abhishek of the Lingam, a rare spiritual phenomenon that has been followed by devotees for generations.
According to the memorandum, any permanent rise in the water level due to the construction of the bandara could keep the temple continuously submerged, thereby preventing devotees from carrying out traditional religious rituals such as Darshan, Abhishek, Arti, distribution of Prasad and last rites rituals, including Asthi Visarjan.
The committee also raised environmental concerns, stating that any alteration of the natural river flow could disturb aquatic biodiversity, affect fish migration and create stagnant water conditions, which may increase the risk of mosquito breeding and water-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis and leptospirosis.
It further warned that several villages in the Sanguem constituency could face increased flooding risks if the project is implemented, potentially affecting residential areas, agricultural lands, markets and religious sites located along the river belt.
In the memorandum, the Sangameshwar Devasthan Committee has urged the administration to conduct a detailed environmental, social and cultural impact assessment, examine the specific impact on the Sangameshwar Temple and surrounding villages, protect religious heritage and ecology, hold public consultations with local residents and stakeholders and suspend the proposed project until proper studies and consultations are completed.
Naik Tari emphasised that while development is important, it should not come at the cost of religious heritage, environmental balance and the safety and livelihoods of local communities.
Sangameshwar Devasthan Committee Secretary Prashant Naik, Treasurer Saiesh Malwankar, Vice President Vishwanath Narvenkar and executive members Vinay Naik and Deepak Lohar were part of the delegation.
