THE GOAN NETWORK
CANACONA
The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has welcomed plans for a third district in the State, but has insisted that Canacona either be made the headquarters of the new district, or else Canacona should be included in a coastal district with Margao as the headquarters and a new district be carved out from the hinterland talukas.
Addressing a news conference in Canacona, GFP General Secretary and Spokesperson Prashant Naik said they had learnt through the media that the State government is contemplating to form a third district in Goa.
“The talukas of Quepem, Sanguem, Dharbandora and Canacona are being planned to be included in the new district, but the location for the headquarters of this district is not mentioned,” said Naik.
“If Canacona is to be made the headquarters of this third district, we will be happy. But we will oppose any attempt to make the third district headquarters at Quepem or Sanguem, or Sanvordem, Dharbandora or Ponda.”
Naik warned that his party would oppose any attempts to deny Canacona as the headquarters of this new district.
“If government still goes ahead, the GFP will unite the people of Canacona to stage agitations and to oppose it tooth and nail,” warned Naik.
“The other option is for the government to carve out a district comprising coastal talukas, with Margao as the headquarters. Canconcars have special relationship with Margao, and over 60-70 buses ply daily between Canacona and Margao. Where do we have transportation between Canacona and Quepem or Dharbandora, Sanguem or Sanvordem or Ponda? We don’t have direct connection to these other talukas. The third district could be formed with Ponda, Dharbandora and other neighbouring talukas in the hinterland.”
GFP Environmental Cell Chairperson Vikas Bhagat, GFP leaders Remy Borges and Datta Gaonkar were present for the press briefing.
