Loutolim

Legend has it that Goud Saraswat Brahmins founded the settlement of Loutolim when they came to Goa from northern India. The word Loutolim arising from Lovótollem, is coined from a combination of the words Tollem (pond in Konkani) and a grass, Lovó, found growing in plenty around the pond. The village community was based around the temple of Shree Ramnathi. There were other smaller temples dedicated to Shree Santeri (Shanta durga) in the village. The Jesuits undertook the task of Christianization of Salsette and in 1567 A.D. The captain of Fort Rachol, Dom Diogo Rodriguesordered the burning and destruction of all the temples in the village. Many gaunkars who wanted to preserve their culture and Hindu religion fled to safer grounds in the Sonde Raja territories across theZuari river with their idols, most famously the Idol of shree Ramnathi in what was later known as the novas conquistas (new conquests). Most of those who chose to remain behind had to become Christian. The Saviour of the world Church was built in Loutolim to look after the spiritual needs of the neo-Christians. Unlike other towns in Salcette and Bardez, where churches were built over the demolished temples, in Loutolim, the plot of land where the old Ramnathi temple stood remained vacant due to some opposition amongst the lotlikars. A new temple of Shree Ramnathi was built recently at this spot. The original idol of Shree Ramnathi (see picture) now stands in an 18th-century temple of Indo-Portuguese architecture in Bandivade, Ponda, Goa. Today, Loutolim has a mixed population of Hindus and Christians, many of them of Saraswat lineage.

Attractions

·         Ancestral Goa: A theme park called ancestral Goa has been built in Loutolim also called 'big foot'. The largest known laterite sculpture of Mirabaiis present in this theme park.

·         Miranda Mansion: Old Goan Houses, owned by families such as the Mirandas are sometimes opened for public viewing.

·         Casa Alvares: A large traditional Portuguese colonial house which had been the home of a wealthy Portuguese family for several generations. The house contained many old home

• Ancestral Goa: A theme park called ancestral Goa has been built in Loutolim also called 'big foot'. The largest known laterite sculpture of Mirabaiis present in this theme park.
• Miranda Mansion: Old Goan Houses, owned by families such as the Mirandas are sometimes opened for public viewing.
• Casa Alvares: A large traditional Portuguese colonial house which had been the home of a wealthy Portuguese family for several generations. The house contained many old home
• There is also a Laterite Sculpture of Mirabai at Bigfoot, Loutolim
• Big Foot Cross Museum

Despite such vibrancy in its past and present, Loutolim is deeply troubled.

Just a few metres from the tourist spot of Ancestral Goa/Big Foot and the Saviour of the World Church, the village's market stands dilapidated. The 'Saturday market' in particular is a big draw, despite the location being rundown.

Till a few years ago, the market had a PWD-installed tap. This was removed by the department when the ownership of the land became a matter of dispute between the church and the comunidade. This lack of clarity on the owner of the land has checked all development of the market.

Newly-elected sarpanch of the nine-ward village panchayat, Conceicao Fernandes understands the challenges. "The panchayat is helpless because the ownership of the land is undecided. We want to re-install the tap and the toilet in the market. Issues of the soak pit and drainage can also be tackled if the church, comunidade and panchayat unite."

Villagers are unanimous that Loutolim requires a revamped market. "The present ramshackle is an eyesore. It is sad that Loutolim is devoid of beautification at both its marketplace and its chief landmark, the Our Saviour of the World Church complex. Garbage collection, segregation and disposal, is also an issue that needs urgent attention. We also need to rid Loutolim of the gaddo (carts) culture and relocate these gaddas since they affect the free flow of traffic and pedestrians," says Caetano Araujo from Vanxem.

Concurs a local from Carvota, Lawrence Fernandes: "The renovation of the market is imperative, as it will ensure that the vegetable, fruit, and fish/meats sections are properly segregated."

Despite the rundown market, most of the 10,000 population are proud of nestling in the arms of this famed village. "I am proud to live in Loutolim, but the prevalent garbage and unhygienic conditions, especially at the market, need to be addressed on priority. Let's not forget that the market lies in the heart of the village but sadly lacks a drainage facility," sums up Mavis Faleiro from Devotti.

Nuvem MLA Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco says, "I am elated that the historical village of Loutolim is part of Nuvem constituency. At the same time one is crestfallen when one sees the pathetic state of its market, as garbage and dirt are littered all around. Without anyone from the village requesting me to do so, I have approached both the church and the comunidade, so that they iron out their differences. Only this can lead to the NOC and eventually pave the way for the construction of a sparkling and hygienic new market."

Problem problem

Dogged by strays

Villagers complain that the hordes of stray dogs roaming around the village are often a dangerous nuisance. "Villagers even dread going on foot during the day, as one never knows when these dogs will pounce on them," claims Caetano Araujo of Vanxem.

Ailing healthcare

One of the oldest health centres in Goa functions with only one doctor, from 9am to 5pm. "Loutolim needs its health centre to function round-the-clock. All attempts should be made to provide admission wards for patients in the spacious health centre," says Lawrence Fernandes of Carvota. The village houses the Shanti Avedna Ashram that provides free palliative care to cancer patients.

Top View 

The panchayat is helpless because the ownership of the land is undecided. We want to re-install the tap and the toilet in the market. Issues of the soak pit and drainage can also be tackled if the church, comunidade and panchayat unite

Conceicao Fernandes, sarpanch

I am elated that the historical village of Loutolim is part of Nuvem constituency. At the same time one is crestfallen when one sees the pathetic state of its market, as garbage and dirt are littered all around. Without anyone from the village requesting me to do so, I have approached both the church and the comunidade, so that they iron out their differences. Only this can lead to the NOC and eventually pave the way for the construction of a sparkling and hygienic new market

Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco, Nuvem MLA

People's Take

The present ramshackle is an eyesore. It is sad that Loutolim is devoid of beautification at both its marketplace and its chief landmark, the Our Saviour of the World Church complex. Garbage collection, segregation and disposal, is also an issue that needs urgent attention. We also need to rid Loutolim of the gaddo (carts) culture and relocate these gaddas since they affect the free flow of traffic and pedestrians

Caetano Araujo, Vanxem resident

The renovation of the market is imperative, as it will ensure that the vegetable, fruit, and fish/meats sections are properly segregated

Lawrence Fernandes, Carvota resident

I am proud to live in Loutolim, but the prevalent garbage and unhygienic conditions, especially at the market, need to be addressed on priority. Let's not forget that the market lies in the heart of the village but sadly lacks a drainage facility

Mavis Faleiro, Devotti resident