Cacora civic body, Assolda Xeldem p’yats have passed resolutions in support of demand
Curchorem: Support from various quarters in Curchorem, Sanvordem, Sanguem and surrounding areas is steadily growing for Curchorem to be named the headquarters of the newly formed third district, Kushavati, even as the government has declared that the headquarters will be located in Quepem.
A group of youths has formed a social media platform to advocate for Curchorem as the district headquarters, drawing support from shopkeepers and professionals who have been highlighting the town’s advantages.
Several prominent personalities have also posted videos on social media stating that suitable infrastructure is available in Curchorem for setting up the headquarters and suggesting landscapes and premises that could be used for the purpose.
Curchorem is being projected as centrally located, with people from Dharbandora, Molem, Colem, Kalay, Sanguem, Netravali and other areas passing through the town while travelling to Margao, Ponda and Panaji. Supporters have also said that Curchorem is connected by road, rail and waterways and that no other place in Quepem taluka offers similar connectivity.
Representatives of the group submitted a memorandum to Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar and Sanguem MLA Subhash Phal Dessai.
Cabral said that he raised the issue in the Assembly and is trying to convince Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on the matter. The Curchorem Cacora Municipal Council and the Assolda and Xeldem village panchayats have also passed resolutions supporting Curchorem as the headquarters of the third district.
A representation was given to Phal Dessai by South Goa Zilla Panchayat chairman Siddharth Gauns Dessai, ZP members from Dharbandora and Sanvordem, among others.
On Friday, the BJP Yuva Morcha, Curchorem, also requested the state government to locate the headquarters of the newly formed Kushavati district in Curchorem.
Meanwhile, South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus said that the authorities will inspect the Kushavati district to identify land for the proposed collectorate building. She also holds additional charge of the new district.
Inclusion of Canacona in Kushavati district faces opposition
Canacona: Leaders cutting across political parties and ideologies gathered at Shristhal to oppose the Goa government’s decision to include Canacona in the proposed third district, Kushavati.
The meeting of political leaders and concerned citizens from Canacona taluka at the GM Celebration Hall in Canacona unanimously resolved to strongly oppose the inclusion of Canacona in the newly-established Kushavati district, citing difficulties that residents would face if the move is implemented.
The leaders said that if the government attempts to impose its decision and does not exclude Canacona from the third district, they would oppose it tooth and nail.
They urged the government to reconsider the decision in the interest of the convenience of Cankonkars and demanded that Canacona be removed from the proposed district and retained in South Goa district.
On Legislators’ Day, former MLAs flag ‘Goa’s destruction’
Panaji : Former MLAs raised concerns over Mhadei water diversion, illegal hill cuttings, land conversions, casinos and what they described as the “destruction of the state” in the name of development at a function marking Goa Legislators’ Day,
organised by the Goa Legislators’ Forum at the State Legislative Assembly complex in Porvorim.
Ex-Cuncolim MLA and former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Ferdino Rebello, reiterated his 10-point charter of demands for protecting land, stopping hill cutting and preventing the destruction of the state. “How long will we tolerate the destruction of Goa at the hands of lawmakers,” Rebello said.
He said that what is happening in Goa in the name of hill cutting is totally illegal. “It harms locals, contaminates wells, and benefits only the government via taxes. Goans must unite to protect our land and ensure we remain true custodians of Goa. The government must withdraw a circular issued in 2023 allowing hill cuttings,” he said.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao criticised the government over rampant land conversions, the casino industry and the law and order situation. “A tragedy at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub was a man-made disaster. Were the deaths of 25 people an accident or murder? We wanted a discussion in the House on this issue, but the government instead scheduled a discussion on Vande Mataram,” Alemao said.
Former minister Nirmala Sawant said that the state government is not serious about stopping diversion of Mhadei water by Karnataka.
Former Speaker Shambhu Bandekar supported the stand taken by Justice Rebello against destruction.
The Town and Country Planning department should be bifurcated, former MLA Radharao Gracias said.
The immediate implementation of political reservation for Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Legislative Assembly is needed so that the community can secure their rights in the 2027 polls, said ex-minister Prakash Velip.
Former MLA Farrel Furtado raised concerns over what she said was neglect of sports by the government.
Ex-Member of Parliament John Fernandes questioned how the government defines casinos on the Mandovi as offshore when they are located in backwaters.
