CANACONA: The Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (GTDCL) has officially withdrawn the work order for the beautification and renovation of Shree Mallikarjun Temple at Avem-Cotigao after objections were raised over the appointment of the contractor.
The project, awarded on July 3, 2026, had been assigned to Allabaksh Mulla, with work scheduled to commence in October 2026 and be completed within 240 days. However, the decision sparked protests from sections of the local community, who objected to the selection of a non-Hindu contractor and demanded that the project be re-tendered.
In response to the controversy, GTDCL issued an order on Monday withdrawing the earlier work order. The cancellation, signed by the Executive Engineer (Civil-South), stated that the work order dated July 3 had been withdrawn but did not specify any reason for the decision.
Amid the debate, Rajendra Dessai of the Shree Mallikarjun Devasthan, Shristhal, urged people not to communalise the issue. He said that the religion of a contractor does not affect the sanctity of a temple, as religious rituals are performed after construction work is completed to consecrate the structure.
Dessai also highlighted Goa’s tradition of communal harmony, recalling that a Muslim artisan from Colomb had for years crafted and tied the gold necklace offered to Lord Mallikarjun, describing it as an example of the mutual respect shared by different communities.
With the work order now cancelled, GTDCL is expected to decide whether the temple renovation project will be put up for a fresh tender.
