Digital Goa, Dec 31 – CM Pramod Sawant on Wednesday announced that Goa’s proposed third district will be named Kushavati, after the river that flows through all four talukas proposed to be part of the new district—Sanguem, Canacona, Quepem and Dharbandora. Sawant said the name Kushavati reflects the region’s ancient geographical heritage and cultural identity, noting that the river has shaped the life, livelihoods and ecology of the four talukas over centuries. CM reiterated that Quepem will be the headquarters of the new district. However, as the creation of the district will require time for administrative processes to become fully operational, the South Goa Collector will continue to hold charge of the administration of the four talukas in the interim.
Special bus services from Canacona & Dharbandora to Quepem
Responding to criticism that Quepem would be as distant as Margao for residents of Canacona and Dharbandora, Sawant said the government would ensure improved connectivity. He announced special bus services between Quepem and Canacona through the ghat area and said efforts would be made to develop wider roads through the ghat, enabling Canacona residents to reach Quepem within half an hour. He also said a district road connecting Dharbandora to Quepem would be developed, along with other special road projects.He added that the government would seek additional special funds from the Centre to build infrastructure in the district.
Proposed Kushavati district will be designated as an Aspirational District, Sawant said, pointing out that around 120 aspirational districts across the country have received additional central funding of about ₹15 crore each, primarily for infrastructure development.
