PANAJI
In a major development, the State government has begun to examine the proposal for creation of the third District in Goa. The coastal State is currently divided into two districts -- North and South.
A seven-member committee under the Chief Secretary has been constituted to assess the need for the creation of a third district for the State. The committee has to submit its report within three months.
Director of Planning Vijay Saxena in a notification issued has said that the committee has to assess whether creation of a third district will lead to development and welfare of the people in general and backward talukas in particular.
The Committee will evaluate the benefits and also the costs involved in creation of a new district, he said.
The Committee will also suggest the boundaries of the district after considering the various aspects such as population, economic status, availability of infrastructure and public opinion.
The committee chaired by Chief Secretary will have Principal Secretary (Finance), Resident Commissioner, Secretary (Revenue) , Collector (South/North) and Charudutta Panigrahi (advisor to CM) as members. Director, DPSE will be Member Secretary of the committee.
The Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had in 2020 announced creation of a third district within a year. He had said that the district will include Dharbandora taluka.
Minister Ravi Naik had also mooted a similar proposal to include the talukas of Ponda, Sattari and Sanguem and by setting up the headquarters in Ponda.
He had claimed that the move would benefit the people of Mollem, Collem and Sanvordem, who generally have to travel to Margao or Panaji to do their job.
Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar had also backed Ravi Naik on carving out of a third district for the State saying the government should indeed make efforts in this direction.
South Goa, with a total area of 1,966 sq kms is the largest district. The total geographical area of North Goa district is 1,736 sq kms.
