Villagers, Activists Unite at Katamgal Dada Shrine Against IIT Goa Campus

A large number of villagers gathered at the revered Katamgal Dada shrine at Farmagudi on Sunday to reiterate their opposition to the proposed permanent campus of IIT Goa at the site, citing religious, cultural, and environmental concerns.

The protest, organised under the 'Save Katamgal' campaign, drew activists from different parts of Goa along with St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, who extended support to the villagers. As part of the gathering, devotees performed a traditional garane, reaffirming their faith and their resolve to protect the sacred site.

Protesters alleged that survey markers for the proposed IIT Goa campus had been placed within the sacred precincts of the Katamgal Dada shrine. They expressed concern that the project would damage the traditional mango grove surrounding the shrine and adversely affect the area's cultural heritage and ecological balance.

The demonstration follows the Union Ministry of Education's approval of the Farmagudi site for IIT Goa's permanent campus after an inspection by its Site Selection Committee. On June 11, 2026, the Ministry directed the Goa government to complete all formalities and transfer the land at the earliest.

Subsequently, the Goa Cabinet approved the transfer of five lakh square metres of government-owned land to the Union Ministry of Education for the establishment of the permanent campus.

The Farmagudi protest marks the latest chapter in the decade-long search for a permanent campus for IIT Goa. Earlier proposals at Loliem, Melauli, Cotarli, Keri, and most recently Codar, were withdrawn following sustained public opposition, largely over concerns related to land acquisition.

Villagers and activists maintained that they would continue their agitation until the proposed campus is shifted to an alternative location, insisting that the Katamgal Dada shrine and its surrounding heritage landscape must be preserved.