The Goa government’s recent decision to create a third district—comprising Dharbandora, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona—with Curchorem or Quepem as its proposed headquarters has met with strong opposition from the people of Canacona taluka.
Locals argue that the move is impractical and inconvenient, particularly given Canacona’s proximity and accessibility to Margao, the current South Goa district headquarters.
Citizens and leaders point out that Canacona shares far stronger transport and administrative connectivity with Margao than with Quepem or Curchorem.
With nearly 50 buses plying daily on the Canacona-Margao route, residents find it easier to reach Margao for administrative and personal work. In contrast, public transportation to Quepem and Curchorem is minimal, raising concerns about travel hardships and lack of access to essential services.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s decision, Prashant Naik, Goa Forward Party general secretary, said, “We don’t want to be part of a third district if the headquarters is at Curchorem. Margao is more accessible, and most of our official work is linked to South Goa’s current district centre.”
Naik also stressed that Margao offers more comprehensive government facilities compared to the limited infrastructure in Quepem or Curchorem.
Janardhan Bandari argued that the district headquarters should be centrally located among the four talukas.
“Having the headquarters at Curchorem or Quepem will bring more hardships to Canacona residents. If we must be included in the new district, then the headquarters should be at Canacona itself,” he stated.
Sanjay Pagi, a well-known social worker from Canacona, said, “This decision by the government is completely one-sided and ignores the practical difficulties faced by the people. We are being pushed into a setup that doesn’t benefit us. The people of Canacona will not accept a district headquarters in Curchorem.”
Former Minister Chandrakant ‘Babu’ Kavlekar welcomed the decision of the third district and said that headquarters at Quepem is a right decision.
“Quepem can be a perfect place for headquarters as people are already travelling over for their works at deputy collector office", he stated.
In light of growing public opposition, an all-party meeting has been scheduled for July 29 at 4 pm at the Shristhal Panchayat Hall.
The meeting aims to unite political representatives, community leaders, and concerned citizens to discuss the implications of the government's decision and determine a course of action to protect Canacona’s interests.
PANJIM: The State government on Sunday clarified that no decision has been taken yet regarding the headquarters of the proposed third district in Goa.
A statement issued by Vijay B Saxena, Director of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation, states, “As has been reported in certain sections of the electronic and print media that the headquarters of the third district in Goa would be Curchorem in Quepem taluka, it is clarified that the government has not yet decided on the headquarters for the third district.”
On Friday, the State cabinet approved the creation of a third district comprising four talukas – Sanguem, Dharbandora, Quepem, and Canacona.
While reports had suggested that Curchorem in Quepem taluka was the proposed site for the district headquarters, the government has confirmed that no final decision has been made in this regard.
Naik also stressed that Margao offers more comprehensive government facilities compared to the limited infrastructure in Quepem or Curchorem.
Janardhan Bandari argued that the district headquarters should be centrally located among the four talukas.
“Having the headquarters at Curchorem or Quepem will bring more hardships to Canacona residents. If we must be included in the new district, then the headquarters should be at Canacona itself,” he stated.
Sanjay Pagi, a well-known social worker from Canacona, said, “This decision by the government is completely one-sided and ignores the practical difficulties faced by the people. We are being pushed into a setup that doesn’t benefit us. The people of Canacona will not accept a district headquarters in Curchorem.”
Former Minister Chandrakant ‘Babu’ Kavlekar welcomed the decision of the third district and said that headquarters at Quepem is a right decision.
“Quepem can be a perfect place for headquarters as people are already travelling over for their works at deputy collector office", he stated.
In light of growing public opposition, an all-party meeting has been scheduled for July 29 at 4 pm at the Shristhal Panchayat Hall.
The meeting aims to unite political representatives, community leaders, and concerned citizens to discuss the implications of the government's decision and determine a course of action to protect Canacona’s interests.