QUEPEM: A proposal to regularise houses constructed on temple-owned land at Xeldem under the Mhaje Ghar scheme has raised objections from the Shree Sateri Devalaya Committee and Mahajans, who have questioned how private individuals came into possession of the property.
The issue concerns Survey No. 172/2, for which a hearing was conducted on Tuesday at the Deputy Collector’s office in Quepem.
During the proceedings, it was pointed out that the temple land was reportedly leased to certain individuals, who allegedly sub-leased portions of it to others. The subsequent occupants have now approached the authorities seeking regularisation of their houses and land under the Mhaje Ghar scheme.
The applicants named in the matter are Mohammed Mustafa and Gous Mohammad.
The Devasthan Committee and Mahajans have questioned the legality of these alleged sub-leasing arrangements and sought clarification on how possession of temple property was transferred to private individuals.
They have also raised concerns over the role of the Mamlatdar, who is stated to be the administrator of the property, and questioned how such occupation was permitted.
The matter has brought the ownership and possession of temple land into focus, with stakeholders seeking clarity on whether private claims over the property can be considered for regularisation under the Mhaje Ghar scheme.
